$Unique_ID{BRK04090} $Pretitle{} $Title{Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome} $Subject{Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome Brachial Neuritis Brachial Plexus Neuritis Idiopathic Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Neuralgic Amyotrophy Peripheral Neuropathy Lyme Disease Rheumatoid Arthritis} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1990 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 726: Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of the article (Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Brachial Neuritis Brachial Plexus Neuritis Idiopathic Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Neuralgic Amyotrophy Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Peripheral Neuropathy Lyme Disease Rheumatoid Arthritis General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome is a common inflammation of a group of nerves that control and supply the muscles of the chest, arm, forearm and hand (brachial plexus). Symptoms Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome is characterized by severe neck and shoulder pain in the area above the collarbone (supraclavicular). This pain may radiate down the arm and into the hand. There can be muscle weakness, wasting (atrophy) and numbness (hyperesthesia) which can affect one or both sides of the body. People with this disorder usually recover within a few months although symptoms can last a couple of years. Recovery is usually complete. Causes The exact cause of Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome is not known. This disorder may occur following an injection (tetanus, diphtheria or allergy), surgery or infection with Lyme Disease. Some scientists believe that it may be an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body's natural defenses (antibodies, lymphocytes, etc.), against invading organisms suddenly begin to attack healthy tissue. Affected Population Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome can affect anyone, but is seen most often in young adult males. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Parsonnage- Turner Syndrome. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Peripheral Neuropathy is a syndrome characterized by sensory, motor, reflex and blood vessel (vasomotor) symptoms. These symptoms can occur singly or in any combination. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Peripheral Neuropathy" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Lyme Disease is a tick-transmitted inflammatory disorder characterized by an early focal lesion, and subsequently a growing red area on the skin (erythema chronicum migrans or ECM). The disorder may be followed weeks later by joint pain resembling arthritis and neurological or heart abnormalities. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Lyme" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common disease that affects the joints. The exact cause is unknown although it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. It is characterized by a loss of appetite, extreme fatigue and joint pain with deformities. The location of painful joints may change (migration). Very often more than one joint is affected. Pain, early morning stiffness, aching joints chiefly in the hands, knees, feet, jaw and spine occur. Once affected, a joint may remain painful for a long time and eventually become deformed. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Arthritis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Therapies: Standard Most patients with Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome will recover without any treatment. Physical therapy or surgery may be helpful for some people with this disorder. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through July 1990. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Parsonnage-Turner Syndrome, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NIAMS) Box AMS Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 495-4484 References INTERNAL MEDICINE, 2nd Ed.: Jay H. Stein, ed.-in-chief; Little, Brown and Co., 1987. Pp. 2237. THE MERCK MANUAL, 15th Ed.: Robert Berkow, M.D., ed.-in-chief; Merck, Sharp & Dohme Laboratories., 1987. Pp. 1442. POSTPARTUM IDIOPATHIC BRACHIAL NEURITIS. D. Dimitru, et al.; OBSTET GYNECOL (March 1989, issue 73 (3)). Pp. 473-475. BRACHIAL NEURITIS INVOLVING THE BILATERAL PHRENIC NERVES. N. Walsh, et al.; ARCH PHYS MED REHABIL (January 1987, issue 68 (1)). Pp. 46-48. BRACHIAL PLEXUS NEUROPATHY. ASSOCIATION WITH DESENSITIZING ANTIALLERGY INJECTIONS. E. Wolpow; JAMA (November 10, 1975, issue 234 (6)). Pp. 1214- 1217. SURGERY FOR LESIONS OF THE BRACHIAL PLEXUS. D. Kline, et al.; ARCH NEUROL (February 1986 issue 43 (2)). Pp. 170-181. BRACHIAL NEURITIS. L. Dillin, et al.; J BONE JOINT SURG [AM]. (July 1985 issue 67 (6)). Pp. 878-883. HYPERTROPHIC BRACHIAL PLEXUS NEURITIS: A PATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF TWO CASES. M. Cusiamano, et al.; ANN NEUROL (November 1988, issue 24 (5)). Pp. 615-622. INJURY TO THE BRACHIAL PLEXUS DURING PUTTI-PLATT AND BRISTOW PROCEDURES. A REPORT OF EIGHT CASES. R. Richards, et al.; AM J SPORTS MED (July-August 1987, issue 15 (4)). Pp. 374-380.