Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.
The aching of the arm and the tingling is more suggestive of a pinched nerve rather than a long lasting effect of a tick infection. Although ticks can have longer incubation period it is unusual to cause such symptom in isolation at a later stage. I would like to know some additional details from you so that I can provide a solid and learned opinion.
You can reply as a followup
1. When was the tick bite ? What kind of tick ?
2. Did you have any symptoms at that time ? (Reason for antibiotic therapy)
3. Locaiton of the bite
4. Duration of the arm symptoms (weeks / months / days)
5. Where exactly is the pain (outer arm/ back of arm / wrists.. etc)
6. Is there any shock like sensation / tingling while moving the arm ?
7. Any sesnory loss ? (loss of touch).
Thank you
Patient replied :
Tick bite was in November. symptoms started about a week ago.pain in the bicep. Bite was on left side of neck. It blew up like a grapefruit and oozed for a week. Doctor took one look and put me on meds. No loss of feeling
Hello,
Thank you for the reply.
You symptoms and the location of the pain are not typical for that of a tick infection ( Lymes radiculoneuritis ). How it is not possible to rule it out completely without further evaluation. As of now I recommend a wait and watch approach. You can take a OTC pain medication like Ibuprofen twice a day. It will take care of any inflammation there is. Rest the arm. While sleeping make sure you are keeping it in a neutral position. You can also take a Vitamin b12 containing multivitamin.
Most likely the pain and tingling should resolve in 3-4 days. If not your require further testing - serologic testing for Lymes disease. Meanwhile if there is any rashes, weakness of face, progressive arm symptoms or as a matter of fact any new symptoms are there you should get medical help.
I will keep this consult open so that you can get back to me at a later stage
Hope this helps
Thank you