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Parsonage-Turner syndrome presents with a characteristic pattern of sudden and acute pain across the top of the shoulder, lasting a few hours to a fortnight, followed by flaccid paralysis of some muscles of the shoulder girdle. The incidence has been estimated at approximately 1.64 in 100,000, with a peak rate between the third and fifth decades and a slight male predominance. Features supporting strongly diagnosis: discrepancy for muscles wasting and denervation between muscles innervated by the same nerve; patchwork distribution of muscles denervation for muscles that are innervated by several nerves or nerve trunk arising from the brachial plexus; dissociation between sparing of the sensory nerve action potential and muscles denervation depending from the same mixed nerves. Although different precipitating factors, such as infection, trauma, surgery, immunization, and autoimmune mechanisms, have been suspected and incriminated in the occurrence of Parsonage-Turner syndrome, the etiology remains unknown. Parsonage-Turner syndrome may be confused with other neck and upper extremity abnormalities. Treatment is symptomatic and is based on analgesic drugs and physical therapy. Prognosis is generally favorable, with about 75% of complete recovery within 2 years. |