Neuralgic amyotrophy: uncommon but not rare.

[neuralgic amyotrophy]

Neuralgic amyotrophy is an uncommon but not a rare clinical syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of acute severe pain most frequently in the shoulder girdle or arm followed within 2 weeks by weakness and sometimes sensory loss . It is idiopathic with a suspected autoimmune etiology . Electrodiagnostic studies and MRI are helpful in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other potential diagnoses . Correct diagnosis is important to avoid inappropriate invasive testing and surgery . Treatment is symptomatic , with the role of corticosteroids uncertain . While the prognosis is generallygood , over 10 % still have significant disability 3 years post onset .