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Simultaneous Erb's and Klumpke's palsy: Case report.
Ashley Dawson1, Eliana Vasquez1, David Garrett1
1Ashley Dawson, Eliana Vasquez, Jason H Huang, Faculty of Medicine, Texas A and M University, Temple, TX 76502, United States.
World Journal of Clinical Cases
|December 18, 2015
Summary
This case study details a rare combination of upper and lower brachial plexus injuries, Erb's palsy (C5) and Klumpke's palsy (C8, T1), resulting from a suicidal hanging attempt. The findings highlight the distinct mechanisms affecting different nerve roots during such trauma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Trauma Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Brachial plexus injuries can result from trauma, affecting upper extremity function.
- Diagnosing specific nerve root involvement is crucial for treatment planning.
- Simultaneous Erb's and Klumpke's palsy is an uncommon presentation.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male presented with simultaneous Erb's (C5) and Klumpke's (C8, T1) palsy, with C6 and C7 roots spared.
- The patient had a history of left diaphragmatic paralysis, attributed to a prior event.
- The cause of the brachial plexus injury was revealed to be a suicidal hanging attempt.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation suggests a unique pattern of brachial plexus injury.
- The mechanism involved excessive neck stretching (upper plexus) and sustained arm support (lower plexus).
- This specific combination of nerve root involvement has not been previously reported.
Implications:
- Understanding the mechanism of injury aids in diagnosing complex brachial plexus lesions.
- This case expands the known spectrum of injuries associated with hanging.
- Accurate diagnosis through physical examination and patient history is vital for managing peripheral nerve trauma.
