Triple Nerve Transfer to Treat West Nile-Induced Neuropathy: A Novel Approach to a Complex Problem: A Case Report
Kikelola Afolabi-Brown1, Anirudh Kulkarni1, Ajul Shah2
1Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Case:
A 49-year-old woman with West Nile encephalitis presented with right arm paralysis and left arm weakness. After limited success with nonsurgical treatments, she underwent surgery involving 3 nerve transfers based on brachial plexus reconstruction techniques. This led to gradual improvement in arm movement and restoration of ADL's.
Conclusion:
Since treatment of the underlying disease may not be enough to restore nerve function, an algorithm incorporating brachial plexus principles may enhance treatment outcomes. Though this case study demonstrates success, we believe this technique deserves further exploration as a potential solution for neurovascular damage following West Nile infection.
