• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.491-493
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• 2015

The upper trunk of the brachial plexus is the most common area affected by neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), and paresis of the shoulder girdle muscle is the most prevalent manifestation. Posterior interosseous nerve palsy is a rare presentation in patients with NA. It results in dropped finger on the affected side and may be misdiagnosed as entrapment syndrome or compressive neuropathy. We report an unusual case of NA manifested as PIN palsy and suggest that knowledge of clinical NA phenotypes is crucial for early diagnosis of peripheral nerve palsies.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.171-175
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• 2009

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.

• Journal of Electrodiagnosis and Neuromuscular Diseases
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.124-129
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• 2018

Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is an idiopathic disease characterized by muscular atrophy accompanied by neuralgia, where acute pain in the limb, mostly including the shoulders, leads to muscle weakeness and atrophy in the limb days to weeks after the onset of pain. Although its exact pathogenesis is unknown, genetic and nongenetic factors, such as infection, surgery, and trauma are suspected contributors. We report this case as we diagnosed NA of the right lower limb via enhanced MRI as well as EMG and have followed up the patient's prognosis and radiologic changes for one and a half years. In addition, the patient had been diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder and somatic symptom disorder.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.423-428
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• 2010

Objective : Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a distinct clinical syndrome that is characterized by the acute onset of shoulder and arm pain, weakness, and sensory loss. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics of NA and to determine appropriate diagnostic modalities. Methods : We reviewed the medical and radiologic records of 10 patients diagnosed with NA retrospectively. Neurophysiologic studies were performed in all patients and magnetic resonance neurography was performed in the last three patients. Results : A total of 10 patients were enrolled in our study. All patients had clinical findings compatible with NA. The most common clinical presentation was severe shoulder pain and weakness in seven patients (70%). Neurophysiologic study results were abnormal in all patients. Brachial plexus magnetic resonance neurography showed that the affected brachial plexus showed a thickened and hyper-intense trunk. All patients were managed conservatively with analgesics and physical therapy. The pain and paralysis of all patients improved clinically within 6 months of the initiation of treatment. Conclusion : NA is a rare disease but the symptoms of NA can mimic those of other diseases. Neurophysiologic studies and magnetic resonance neurography are extremely useful tools for the diagnosis of NA.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.233-235
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• 2022