Differential Diagnosis for Abrupt Shoulder Pain with No Trauma and Arm Weakness
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Rotator cuff strain or tendinitis: This is a common condition that can cause sudden shoulder pain and arm weakness, especially if the rotator cuff is inflamed or strained.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Brachial neuritis (neuralgic amyotrophy): This condition is characterized by sudden onset of shoulder pain and arm weakness, often without any trauma.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet can cause shoulder pain and arm weakness.
- Cervical radiculopathy: Herniated discs or other cervical spine issues can cause radiating pain and weakness in the arm.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden shoulder pain and arm weakness due to referred pain.
- Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta can cause sudden, severe pain that may radiate to the shoulder and arm.
- Spinal cord infarction or compression: Any condition that compromises the spinal cord, such as a tumor or infection, can cause sudden arm weakness and shoulder pain.
- Rare diagnoses
- Pancoast tumor: A rare type of lung cancer that can cause shoulder pain and arm weakness due to compression of the nerves and blood vessels.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurological disease that can cause arm weakness, although it is typically a more gradual onset.
- Poliomyelitis: A rare viral infection that can cause arm weakness, although it is typically associated with a more systemic illness.