Abstract: Parsonage-Turner syndrome, also known as brachial plexus neuritis or idiopathic amyotrophy, is a common undiagnosed inflammatory neuropathy, which is characterized by acute onset of shoulder pain, followed by weakness of the shoulder or upper limb, and occasionally, sensory disturbances. The present report discusses a rare case of Parsonage-Turner syndrome caused by intensive exercise.
Study design: A 29-year-old woman presented to our clinic with 1 month history of bilateral shoulder pain and weakness after heavy intensive exercise. The patient was followed up for 3 months after treatment, and again 1 year after treatment.
Materials and methods: Laboratory analysis was performed to obtain complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels. Radiography of the shoulder and neck were performed. Brachial plexus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also performed. Physiotherapy was performed to relieve the pain.
Results: Brachial plexus MRI showed edema throughout the brachial plexus, with an elevated T2-weighted signal in the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles. All other test results were normal. A diagnosis of Parsonage-Turner syndrome was suspected based on symptom characteristics: acute pain followed by progressive weakness of the shoulder. Following physiotherapy, the pain gradually improved.
Conclusion: Several factors are associated with the development of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, such as sudden intensive exercise, as in this case. Adequate physiotherapy leads to improvement of pain, with excellent prognosis for Parsonage-Turner Syndrome.
Keywords: brachial neuritis, idiopathic neuralgic amyotrophy, bilateral physiotherapy.
Title: Bilateral Parsonage-Turner Syndrome after Intensive Exercise in a Young Woman
Author: Dr. Alharbi, Mohammed saeed
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Research Publish Journals
