Development of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome After Heat Stroke in Firefighters: A Report of 2 Cases
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Updated: Dec 15, 2025

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
Claire D Eliasberg1, Darryl B Sneag2, Anne M Kelly1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York.
Case:
Two firefighters developed Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) shortly after sustaining episodes of heat stroke. Patient 1 was a 40-year-old man who presented with shoulder pain and supraspinatus and infraspinatus weakness. Patient 2 was a 35-year-old man who presented with shoulder pain and absent external rotation strength. Both had electrodiagnostic testing and magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with PTS. Both demonstrated partial but incomplete recovery at 1- and 2.5-year follow-ups, respectively.
Conclusions:
PTS should remain on the differential diagnosis for any patient presenting with sudden onset shoulder pain and neurological deficits after an episode of heat-related illness.
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