[Acute plexus lesions in heroin dependence]

A wide spectrum of acute and chronic neurological syndromes are associated with heroin addiction. We report two cases with acute brachial/lumbar plexus lesions, with details of the clinical findings, diagnostic procedures and therapy. Possible causes are allergic or toxic reactions to heroin or added substances, as well as nerve compression due to local muscle swelling in connection with rhabdomyolysis. The extent of paresis which occurs is also determined by this compression.