Heroin brachial plexopathy
- Author:
Kongkiat Kulkantrakorn
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- From:Neurology Asia
2011;16(1):85-87
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Neuromuscular complications from heroin abuse are rare. Most cases are caused by focal nerve
compression and recover spontaneously. We report a 22-year-old Caucasian man who presented with
shoulder pain and left arm weakness after recovering from coma due to heroin and phenobarbitone
overdose. Electrophysiological fi ndings were consistent with complete brachial plexopathy. Investigations
did not reveal any other causes. Follow up examination at 4 weeks showed minimal improvement
of his weakness. This case highlights an unusual complication of heroin abuse. Its pathophysiology
remains unknown. Although heroin abuse is now less common, neurologists should be aware of this
condition
- Full text:P020150731433683038553.pdf
