Parsonage-Turner syndrome in a patient with bilateral shoulder pain: A case report

Abstract

Objective: Parsonage-Turner syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy characterized by acute onset shoulder pain, myalgia, and sensory disturbances. The present report discusses a rare case of Parsonage-Turner syndrome and highlights the importance of accurate history recording and thorough physical examination for the diagnosis of the disease in rural areas.Patient: A 28-year-old woman presented to our clinic with acute bilateral shoulder pain and difficulty moving her right arm. A diagnosis of Parsonage-Turner syndrome was suspected based on the progression of symptoms, severity of pain, and lack of musculoskeletal inflammation. The diagnosis was confirmed by neurological specialists, and the patient was treated with methylprednisolone, after which her symptoms gradually improved.Discussion: The differential diagnosis of shoulder pain is complicated due to the wide variety of conditions sharing similar symptoms. Accurate history recording and thorough physical examination are required to differentiate among conditions involving the central nerves, peripheral nerves, and nerve plexuses.Conclusion: Although the symptoms of Parsonage-Turner syndrome vary based on disease progression and the location of impairment, proper diagnosis of acute shoulder pain without central neurological symptoms can be achieved in rural areas via thorough examination.

Parsonage-Turner syndrome presenting with left shoulder pain and weakness: a case report

“…There was no difference in terms of frequency of involvement between the right and left extremities and no correlation was found for the dominant hand. Involvement is usually unilateral but bilateral involvement may be seen as 1/3 ratio [5,6]. The cause of PTS is not known yet.…”

An Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Syndrome: Parsonage-Turner Syndrome Presenting With C8 Root Involvement

“…The pain is usually self-limiting and lasts one to two weeks except in rare cases [4]. Males are more commonly affected than females, and the prevalence rate of the disease is 1.64 per 100,000 people [5]. The most common sites of involvement are the upper trunk, suprascapular nerve, long thoracic nerve, and axillary nerve, while the least commonly involved peripheral nerves are the ulnar and radial nerves [4].…”