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brachial plexus neuropathy (Parsonage-Turner syndrome)

Etiology: 1) unknown 2) immune-mediated mechanisms have been proposed 3) ischemic mechanisms have been proposed Epidemiology: - men affected 2-3 times more often than women Clinical manifestations: 1) onset may follow an upper respiratory tract infection or an immunization 2) abrupt onset of severe pain a) pain involves a variable group of muscles anywhere from the shoulder to the hand b) the pain generally lasts 1 week c) after 1 week, the pain gradually diminished 3) progressive weakness a) occurs in same muscles as pain diminishes b) weakness slowly resolves 4) symptoms are bilateral on 30% of patients 5) vague sensory abnormalities may be present Differential diagnosis: 1) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) a) ALS continues to progress b) upper motor neuron signs (ALS) 2) cervical radiculopathy (radicular pattern) 3) Lyme disease (CSF lymphocytosis)

Related

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); Lou Gerig's disease Lyme disease

Specific

idiopathic brachial plexitis;

General

brachial plexopathy syndrome

References

  1. Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001
  2. Tsairis et al, Arch Neurol 27:109, 1972