title: [Differential diagnostics of diseases of the brachial plexus].
abstract: Progressive, atrophic, asymmetrically distributed flaccid paresis of arm and hand muscles represents a frequent symptom of neuromuscular diseases that can be attributed to injury of the arm nerves, the plexus or the cervical roots. A timely and exact diagnosis is mandatory; however, the broad spectrum of differential diagnoses often represents a diagnostic challenge. A large variety of neuromuscular disorders need to be considered, encompassing autoimmune mediated inflammatory neuropathic conditions, such as multifocal motor neuropathy, as well as chronic degenerative and nerve compression disorders. This review provides an overview of the most frequent disorders of the upper plexus and cervical roots and summarizes the characteristic clinical features as well as electrodiagnostic and laboratory test results. In addition the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging and sonography is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wunderlich
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Macht
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schroeter
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lehmann
mesh_terms: D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods