Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS)

 

Overview

A neurological autoimmune disease characterized by rapid development of severe shoulder and arm pain followed by muscular atrophy in the areas affected. Typically PTS affects the brachial plexus, the nerve network that extends from the spine to the neck, armpits, and arms, and controls movements and sensations in these areas. Symptoms and severity depend on the specific nerves involved.

Common Symptoms

Sharp, burning pain in one shoulder, the neck, arm, hand, or legs that worsens in the evenings, muscle weakness in the shoulder, reflex issues, numbness or loss of feeling in extremities, partial dislocation of the shoulder joint, limited range of motion in joints, protruding shoulder blade, shortened muscles/tendons, shortness of breath, sweating, swelling, red/purple hands, or spotting of hands.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Polyneuropathy, paresthesia, dysesthesia, and hypoesthesia, and multiple sclerosis.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Male sex, surgery, strenuous exercise, minor trauma, certain anesthesia medication, and viral infection.
Pre-existing conditions such as connective tissue disease, lupus, temporal arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and childbirth have been identified as potential triggers.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes
    1. Duman, I., Guvenc, I., Tezel, K., & Aydemir, K. (2013). Multiple Sclerosis Presenting with Parsonage–Turner Syndrome: A Case Report. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, 21(4), 361–364. https://doi.org/10.3109/10582452.2013.860938

    2. Parsonage Turner syndrome | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program. (n.d.). Https://Rarediseases.Info.Nih.Gov/Diseases/4228/Parsonage-Turner-Syndrome. Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/4228/parsonage-turner-syndrome

    3. Parsonage Turner Syndrome. (n.d.-a). NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/parsonage-turner-syndrome/

    4. Parsonage Turner syndrome: Treatment, Cause & Symptoms. (n.d.-b). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15390-parsonage-turner-syndrome