Mobile, AL
A 42-year-old male asked:
Hi, i woke up one morning with left arm numbness from the elbow down with hand weakness and wrist drop. my doctor ordered a head ct and neck mri to rule out anything life threatening. it turned out to be saturday night palsy. how long to recover?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Colantinoanswered
Internal Medicine 63 years experience
Palsy: Even though the initial nerve damage is serious, the palsy generally heals within several weeks. Treatment involves resting the injured nerve often by wearing a splint. I believe that a neurologist should direct your care and dictate when to start proper physical therapy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
118 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 54 years experience
Once the maximum damage has occurred, about 24-36 hrs., recovery proceeds steadily depending upon the extent of the original event. If the "nerve coverings" have been predominantly affected, re-growth occurs over 3-4 weeks, BUT if the central axon has been injured, regrowth might proceed at 0.1 mm daily, speed of fingernail growth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Dec 12, 2022
Last updated Dec 12, 2022
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