For clinicians

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS), also known as Brachial neuritis or Neuralgic Amyotrophy, is an idiopathic neurological disorder characterised by sudden-onset of shoulder and upper arm pain that is severe, lasting weeks and is followed by weakness and associated with muscular atrophy. There are also hereditary forms of PTS that are often associated with SEPT9 gene abnormailities. There are only approximately 200 families with the hereditary form worldwide.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome is likely to be an acute, immune mediated inflammatory process causing multifocal damage to the brachial plexus. The extent and distribution of affected peripheral nerves is variable. It is most easily identifable by the triad of acute, severe (>7/10) pain, muscle weakness and muscular atrophy of the shoulder girdle and upper arm. It is most commonly identified on examination by winging of the scapula (70% patients).

Parsonage-Turner Syndromeis likely to be more common than previously thought, with an annual incidence of upto 1 in 1000 individuals. It can cause significant pain and functional disability and is associated with a prolonged recovery and recurrent episodes.

Please use these links to find in detail further information on the following aspects of PTS:

• Clinical presentation

• Prevalence

• Diagnosis

• Differential diagnosis

• Clinical management

• Functional Recovery

• Associated neuropathies

• Hereditary PTS