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Bilateral musculocutaneous nerve palsy from strength training
Samuel O Matz1, Gregg Nibbelink
1The Advanced Centers for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Westminster, MD, 21157, USA. smatz@acossm.com.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|January 21, 2010
Summary
Bilateral musculocutaneous nerve palsy from weight lifting is rare, affecting an 18-year-old athlete. Recovery involves modifying exercise routines and eliminating biceps curls for 3 months.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Musculocutaneous nerve palsy is a rare condition often linked to strenuous weight training, typically affecting the dominant arm.
- Symptoms include biceps muscle atrophy and weakness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of bilateral musculocutaneous nerve palsy in an 18-year-old football player following weight lifting.
- To highlight the importance of considering this diagnosis in active individuals with repetitive arm movements.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 18-year-old football player presenting with bilateral biceps weakness after weight lifting.
- Clinical evaluation and electrodiagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other neurological conditions.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced bilateral biceps atrophy and weakness, a presentation not previously documented in medical literature.
- Electrodiagnostic testing confirmed musculocutaneous nerve palsy.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral musculocutaneous nerve palsy can occur in young athletes due to intense weight training, particularly with repetitive biceps curls.
- Diagnosis requires clinical suspicion and electrodiagnostic confirmation. Treatment involves modifying training regimens, including a 3-month cessation of biceps curls, leading to symptom resolution.
