From the Research
Parsonage-Turner syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by sudden, severe pain in the shoulder and upper arm, followed by weakness and muscle wasting, and its treatment primarily focuses on pain management and physical therapy, with high-dose pulsed steroids assisting initial pain control, as suggested by the most recent study 1.
Key Characteristics of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome
- Sudden, severe pain in the shoulder and upper arm
- Followed by weakness and muscle wasting
- Affects the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand
- Exact cause often unknown, but may be triggered by infections, vaccinations, surgery, or trauma
Treatment and Management
- Pain management with medications like NSAIDs, gabapentin, or pregabalin during the acute phase
- Physical therapy to maintain range of motion and strengthen affected muscles during recovery
- High-dose pulsed steroids may assist initial pain control, as suggested by the most recent study 1
- Rehabilitation focusing on restoring functional scapular mechanics, energy conservation, contracture prevention, and pain management are critical
Prognosis and Outcomes
- Most patients eventually recover, though complete recovery can take months to years
- Some may have residual weakness
- Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve outcomes and prevent complications like frozen shoulder
- Lifetime residual pain and weakness are rare, with most making dramatic functional recovery, as noted in the study 1