Neuralgic Amyotrophy Considered as Cervical Radiculopathy: A case report.
10.3344/kjp.2009.22.2.171
- Author:
Chan Do PARK
1
;
Joon Woo KIM
;
Jong Beom CHOI
;
Min Jung LEE
;
Jee Youn MOON
;
Pyung Bok LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. painfree@snubh.org
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
cervical radiculopathy;
neuralgic amyotrophy
- MeSH:
Arm;
Atrophy;
Brachial Plexus Neuritis;
Electromyography;
Female;
Fingers;
Forearm;
Hand Strength;
Humans;
Middle Aged;
Muscle Weakness;
Neural Conduction;
Radiculopathy;
Shoulder;
Thumb
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain
2009;22(2):171-175
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Neuralgic amyotrophy is a syndrome with a broad range of clinical manifestations. It is characterized by acute, severe pain in the shoulder or arm lasting several days or weeks, followed by muscle weakness and atrophy as the pain diminishes. The diagnosis is based on typical clinical features, electromyography (EMG) and a nerve conduction study. The early and correct diagnosis is important to preclude unnecessary testing or surgical procedures. A 59-year-old female patient presented with pain and weakness involving her right palm and 1-3rd fingers. Three weeks before presentation, she noted the sudden onset of severe right shoulder and forearm pain. After the pain was reduced, she noted persistent right palm and 1-3rd finger pain and weakness. On cervical MRI, there was a mild central disc protrusion at C4-5 and C5-6. Electrodiagnostic testing was performed and she was diagnosed with neuralgic amyotrophy. One week after hospital treatment, her pain was relieved from VAS 10 to 3 and she was discharged with mild weakness of the thumb and index finger during pinch grips.
