Neuralgic amyotrophy: uncommon but not rare

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.