Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/6/2010

Question
My son had his second thoracic epidural injection 5 days ago.  On the ride home in the car, his left side from the injection site down started to go numb.  It has been numb ever since.  He is dragging his leg, so to speak.  He is able to walk but it's like his leg weighs 300 lbs.  His skin has a numb sensation like after going to the dentist.  The doctor seems to be in a CYA mode.  Saying that he's never seen a neurological problem after the procedure. Usually just pain.  My son had a second MRI and it showed nothing.  They are saying it is nerve damage and will "go away" in their opinion.  Have you heard of anyone ever experiencing anything like this before.  I am scared to death that this is permanent.

Answer
Hi there
I'm really sorry to hear about your sons problem. As you mention this is your sons second thoracic epidural I have to assume this was for a chronic pain problem. This is not an area that I have any expertise in. It would be difficult for anyone to comment without knowing what level the epidural was inserted, what drugs were injected and what it was being done for amongst other things. It would also be interesting to know what his neurological examination reveals i.e. the power he has in different muscle groups and sensation - where he can feel and where he can't.
All I can say is that unilateral numbness down one side is very unusual. Weakness is again something that is usually confined to the muscles supplied by a single nerve root and not generalised to a whole limb. Basically this is more reassuring as is the fact he appears to have no bowel or urinary problems. The doctors have done the right thing by organising an MRI so this has ruled out any major pathology. I'm afraid I can't help much beyond that.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson