Cervical radiculopathy, entrapment neuropathy, and thoracic outlet syndrome: how to differentiate? Invited submission from the Joint Section Meeting on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, March 2004.
The common diagnoses of cervical radiculopathy and upper-extremity entrapment neuropathies can at times be difficult to differentiate. Additionally, thoracic outlet syndrome is often diagnosed when, in fact, the problem is radiculopathy or neuropathy. Another source of confusion, especially in older patients, is neuralgic amyotrophy, brachial plexitis, or the Parsonage-Turner syndrome. The differential diagnosis of unilateral arm pain, weakness, and/or sensory loss includes all of these problems. The clinical and electrodiagnostic features of each are discussed as an aid to distinguishing between these common and similar entities.
McGillicuddy
John E
JE
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. jemc@umich.edu
D000367:Age Factors; D020968:Brachial Plexus Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000175:diagnosis; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000294:innervation