Brachial Plexus Neuritis
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is a condition characterized by sudden, severe shoulder and upper arm pain followed by muscle weakness or atrophy.
- Type
- Brachial plexus neuritis is typically classified as an acquired condition and is not generally linked to genetic transmission. Most cases are considered idiopathic, although infections, trauma, or other conditions may trigger the inflammation. It does not follow Mendelian patterns of inheritance.
- Signs And Symptoms
- This syndrome can begin with severe shoulder or arm pain followed by weakness and numbness. Those with Parsonage–Turner experience acute, sudden-onset pain radiating from the shoulder to the upper arm. Affected muscles become weak and atrophied, and in advanced cases, paralyzed. Occasionally, there will be no pain and just paralysis, and sometimes just pain, not ending in paralysis.MRI may assist in diagnosis. Scapular winging is commonly seen.
- Prognosis
- Despite its wasting and at times long-lasting effects, most cases are resolved by the body's healing system, and recovery is usually good in 18–24 months, depending on how old the person in question is. For instance, a six-year-old could have brachial neuritis for only around six months, but a person in their early 50s could have it for more than three years.It was traditionally thought that most people would regain around 70-90 per cent of their original strength and function levels, however most recent studies suggest that long-term complications are more common than previously thought.
- Onset
- Brachial plexus neuritis typically has an acute onset, often with sudden, severe shoulder pain followed by muscle weakness, loss of sensation, or even paralysis in the affected arm. The onset is not associated with trauma but might follow an infection, vaccination, or surgery.
- Prevalence
- The prevalence of brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is relatively rare, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1-3 cases per 100,000 people per year.
- Epidemiology
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Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is a rare neurological disorder. Its specific epidemiology includes:
1. **Incidence**: It is relatively uncommon, with an estimated incidence of 1-3 cases per 100,000 people annually.
2. **Age and Gender**: It can affect individuals of any age but is more commonly seen in adults between 20 and 60 years. It affects males slightly more often than females.
3. **Risk Factors**: Potential triggers include recent infections, surgeries, vaccinations, or strenuous physical activities.
The nature of the disorder means it can often be misdiagnosed, impacting the clarity of its epidemiological data. - Intractability
- Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is not intractable in most cases. It typically presents with sudden onset shoulder pain followed by muscle weakness and atrophy in the shoulder and arm. While the condition can be painful and lead to significant discomfort, many patients recover over time, often within months to a few years, with or without medical treatment such as physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes corticosteroids. However, some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms or incomplete recovery, so the outcome can vary.
- Disease Severity
- Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, can vary in severity. Some individuals experience mild symptoms that resolve on their own, while others may have severe pain, significant muscle weakness, and long-term disability. The severity often depends on the extent of nerve damage and the timeliness of treatment.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:3689
- Pathophysiology
- Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, involves acute inflammation of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. The precise cause is often unknown but may be associated with viral infections, vaccinations, strenuous exercise, or surgeries. Inflammation leads to sudden onset of severe shoulder and arm pain, often followed by muscle weakness and atrophy.
- Carrier Status
- Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is not a genetic disorder and does not have a carrier status. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the brachial plexus, typically occurring without a hereditary component.
- Mechanism
- Parsonage-Turner involves neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve in 97% of cases, and variably involves the axillary and subscapular nerves. As such, the muscles usually involved are the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, which are both innervated by the suprascapular nerve. Involvement of the deltoid is more variable, as it is innervated by the axillary nerve.
- Treatment
-
Treatment for brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, typically involves:
1. **Pain Management**: This is often addressed with medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and neuropathic pain agents like gabapentin or pregabalin.
2. **Physical Therapy**: Engaging in physical and occupational therapy helps maintain range of motion and strengthen affected muscles.
3. **Rest and Activity Modification**: Limiting activities that exacerbate symptoms and providing adequate rest for the affected arm can aid recovery.
4. **Surgery**: In rare cases, if there is severe and persistent dysfunction, surgical intervention may be considered.
Improvement can be slow, often taking months to years, with many patients eventually regaining full function. Early and proactive management is key to improving outcomes. - Compassionate Use Treatment
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Compassionate use treatment and off-label or experimental treatments for brachial plexus neuritis may include:
1. **Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)**: Occasionally used off-label to modulate the immune response, potentially reducing inflammation and aiding recovery.
2. **Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis)**: Another off-label treatment aiming to reduce the severity of the autoimmune response by removing antibodies from the bloodstream.
3. **Corticosteroids**: Sometimes employed off-label, though evidence for their effectiveness in brachial plexus neuritis is mixed.
Experimental treatments may also encompass:
1. **Stem Cell Therapy**: Under investigation for various types of peripheral nerve damage, including brachial plexus injuries, to stimulate nerve repair and regeneration.
2. **Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)**: Researching the potential for enhancing nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
3. **Electrical Nerve Stimulation**: Use of wearable devices to stimulate nerve repair and muscle strength could also be included in experimental approaches.
Clinical trials are essential for understanding the safety and efficacy of these treatments. - Lifestyle Recommendations
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Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, can benefit from specific lifestyle recommendations to aid in recovery and manage symptoms:
1. **Rest and Protection**:
- Avoid heavy lifting and activities that strain the shoulder and arm.
- Use supportive aids like slings if prescribed to reduce strain.
2. **Physical Therapy**:
- Engage in guided exercises to maintain range of motion and gradually build strength.
- Work with a physical therapist to design a program tailored to your recovery stage.
3. **Pain Management**:
- Use medications as prescribed, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Consider gentle heat or cold packs to alleviate pain and inflammation.
4. **Nutrition**:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Stay hydrated to support overall health and recovery.
5. **Stress Reduction**:
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress and pain perception.
By following these recommendations, individuals with brachial plexus neuritis can support their recovery and improve their quality of life. - Medication
-
Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, is primarily managed with medications to control pain and inflammation. Commonly used medications include:
1. **Analgesics**: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen).
2. **Corticosteroids**: Sometimes prescribed to reduce inflammation.
3. **Neuropathic pain medications**: Such as gabapentin or pregabalin may be used.
4. **Physical therapy**: Often recommended alongside medication for muscle strength and flexibility.
Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and treatment. - Repurposable Drugs
- There are no specific drugs that are universally recognized as repurposable for brachial plexus neuritis (also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome). Treatment typically focuses on managing pain and inflammation, often utilizing medications such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and analgesics. Physical therapy is also a key component of the recovery process. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized treatment options.
- Metabolites
- There are no specific metabolites directly associated with brachial plexus neuritis. This condition, also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, involves inflammation of the brachial plexus and is characterized by sudden onset of shoulder pain followed by muscle weakness and atrophy. Diagnosis is generally clinical and may be supported by imaging studies or electrodiagnostic tests rather than specific metabolite analysis.
- Nutraceuticals
-
There are no well-established nutraceuticals specifically for the treatment of brachial plexus neuritis (BPN). However, maintaining overall nerve health through a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can be beneficial. Key nutrients that support nerve health include:
1. **Vitamin B12:** Crucial for nerve function and repair.
2. **Vitamin B6:** Important for nerve function, but should be taken in moderation to avoid toxicity.
3. **Omega-3 fatty acids:** Found in fish oils, these can help reduce inflammation.
4. **Antioxidants:** Vitamins C and E may help reduce oxidative stress, which can damage nerves.
It is vital to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially in the context of a specific medical condition like brachial plexus neuritis. They can provide personalized recommendations based on individual health needs. - Peptides
- Brachial plexus neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is a condition that involves sudden and severe shoulder pain followed by weakness and muscle atrophy in the affected arm. Current treatment mainly focuses on pain management, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, rather than specific peptides or nanotechnology applications, which are not standard treatments for this condition as of now. Research is ongoing to explore various therapeutic options, but peptides and nanotechnological solutions are not established treatments for this ailment.