Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
08:16
Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: March 4, 2014
Neuralgic amyotrophy (Parsonage-Turner syndrome).
Fotios P Tjoumakaris1, Oke A Anakwenze, Vamsi Kancherla
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Summary
Neuralgic amyotrophy, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is a rare nerve disorder affecting the shoulders and arms. While diagnosis can be challenging, most patients experience symptom resolution over time with supportive care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), or Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is an idiopathic neurological disorder.
- It commonly affects the suprascapular and axillary nerves, leading to muscle weakness and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of neuralgic amyotrophy.
- To highlight the variable course and eventual recovery patterns observed in patients with NA.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for neuralgic amyotrophy.
- Discussion of symptomatic treatment strategies and prognosis.
Main Results:
- NA presents with diverse clinical symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Nerve conduction studies and imaging aid in evaluation.
- Symptomatic management is the primary treatment approach.
Conclusions:
- Neuralgic amyotrophy is an uncommon condition with an unknown etiology.
- Despite diagnostic challenges and prolonged symptoms, most patients achieve functional recovery.
- Early recognition and supportive care are crucial for managing NA.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
01:22Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
01:26Cross-bridge Cycle
As muscle contracts, the overlap between the thin and thick filaments increases, decreasing the length of the sarcomere—the contractile unit of the muscle—using energy in the form of ATP. At the molecular level, this is a cyclic, multistep process that involves binding and hydrolysis of ATP, and movement of actin by myosin.