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Warning-sign checks

Axillary nerve dysfunction: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek urgent or emergency care for a new shoulder deformity, major reinjury, rapidly increasing swelling, or an arm or hand that becomes pale, blue, cool, or pulseless.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating clinician sooner if weakness is worsening, numbness is spreading, pain is becoming difficult to control, or therapy causes a clear loss of function.

    New symptoms in the hand or several muscle groups may suggest a broader nerve injury.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is important because a single examination may not show whether the nerve is recovering.

    The clinician may track deltoid strength, muscle bulk, sensation, shoulder motion, and the return of small voluntary muscle contractions.

    Repeat EMG or nerve conduction studies may be used when the results could change management.

    Keep follow-up appointments even if pain improves.

    Pain often settles before strength returns, and delayed recognition of persistent nerve dysfunction can limit treatment options.

The article also says

During recovery, protect areas with reduced sensation.

Check the skin for irritation, avoid prolonged pressure, and use care with heating pads or ice because temperature injury may not be felt normally.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Axillary nerve dysfunction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.