Parsonage-Turner Syndrome of Unclear Causation: A Case Report

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS), also referred to as idiopathic brachial plexopathy or neuralgic amyotrophy, is a rare disorder that classically presents with abrupt, patchy, unilateral shoulder pain followed by varying degrees of weakness and atrophy of the upper extremity musculature. PTS is a ser...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCurēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 14; no. 7
Main Authors Carrier, Robert E, Marchetti, Michael P
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Palo Alto Cureus Inc 25.07.2022
Cureus
Subjects
Arthritis
Atrophy
Case reports
Consciousness
Electromyography
Fainting
Genetic disorders
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Orthopedics
Pain
Patients
Range of motion
Rotator cuff
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Summary:Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS), also referred to as idiopathic brachial plexopathy or neuralgic amyotrophy, is a rare disorder that classically presents with abrupt, patchy, unilateral shoulder pain followed by varying degrees of weakness and atrophy of the upper extremity musculature. PTS is a serious diagnosis that can result in irreversible atrophy with delayed diagnosis and treatment. Since there currently is no gold standard for diagnosis and the syndrome can present as many other possible pathologies, careful clinical examination and thorough review of relevant imaging and diagnostic studies are critical for proper diagnosis. Here, we present a case of PTS diagnosed in a 67-year-old male with extensive overlapping cervical and rotator cuff pathology following an apparent orthostatic episode with no known mechanism of injury. This case report not only adds to the literature regarding the importance of close examination and plausible etiologies of PTS but also emphasizes close collaboration among specialties to avoid misdiagnosis.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.27244