Brachioradial pruritus secondary to cervical disc protrusion - a case report

Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) is a rare chronic neuropathy of the skin of the arms and forearms that presents with itching, burning or tingling, with no associated dermatological features. Sun exposure and cervical spine pathology have been described as causes for BRP; however, the exact aetiology is often unclear. Herein, we discuss the case of a 63-year-old female patient who presented with BRP with a C5-C6 distribution. Physical examination excluded skin conditions, thus magnetic resonance imaging was done and revealed a C5-C6 disc protrusion. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were performed leading to the resolution of symptoms. The case emphasizes the beneficial role of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion as a last resort in patients with refractory pruritus of discogenic cause.