The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 67, Issue 6 878-880, Copyright © 1985 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Brachial neuritis
L Dillin, FT Hoaglund and M Scheck
Brachial neuritis is an unusual syndrome of unknown etiology that can be
confused with other causes of pain or weakness, or both, of the shoulder
and arm. It is important to distinguish this disorder because of its
dramatic symptoms and relatively good prognosis. Sharp pain, usually in the
elbow or shoulder, marks the onset of brachial neuritis, but is relatively
short-lived. Weakness generally occurs as the pain is subsiding and most
frequently involves the deltoid, spinati, serratus anterior, biceps, and
triceps. Paresthesias, atrophy, and sensory loss are inconstant features.
Electromyographic findings of fibrillation potentials and positive waves
characteristically are found in a pattern indicating combined nerve-root
and peripheral nerve involvement. Electromyography more frequently than
clinical examination shows that the lesion is bilateral, and also is of
both diagnostic and prognostic value. Other laboratory studies serve only
to exclude other causes of shoulder pain. The clinical course is variable,
but in 90 per cent of patients complete recovery occurs within three years.
Recurrences are uncommon.
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