Differential Diagnosis for Numbness in Axilla of Arm
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Axillary nerve compression or injury: This is a common cause of numbness in the axilla, often due to trauma, compression, or repetitive activities that irritate the axillary nerve.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Brachial plexus neuropathy: This condition can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, including the axilla, due to damage or compression of the brachial plexus nerves.
- Cervical radiculopathy: Nerve root compression or irritation in the cervical spine can cause numbness or tingling in the arm, including the axilla, depending on the specific nerve root affected.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, including the axilla.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pancoast tumor: A type of lung cancer that can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, including the axilla, due to compression of the brachial plexus nerves.
- Spinal cord injury or compression: Trauma, infection, or tumors affecting the spinal cord can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, including the axilla, and require prompt medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause peripheral neuropathy, including numbness or tingling in the axilla.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: A nutritional deficiency that can cause peripheral neuropathy, including numbness or tingling in the axilla.
- Leprosy: A rare infectious disease that can cause peripheral neuropathy, including numbness or tingling in the axilla.