[Radial nerve palsy as a presenting feature of neuralgic amyotrophy].

[neuralgic amyotrophy]

A 28 -year -old man noticed weakness in his left arm when he woke up . He was diagnosed as left radial nerve palsy and managed conservatively at a local hospital . A few days later , severe pain of the brachium appeared . Although severe pain improved in a year , dysesthesia and muscle atrophy remained . On admission , muscle weakness and atrophy were found in muscles innervated predominantly by the left radial nerve . In addition , needle-electromyography and computed tomography revealed the involvement of muscles innervated by the left suprascapular , long thoracic and axillary nerves , and we diagnosed the patient as neuralgic amyotrophy . Neuralgic amyotrophy should be kept in mind in diagnosing acute onset , painful radial palsy .