What Is Brachial Neuritis?
Brachial neuritis is a rare nerve condition that affects the brachial plexus, a group of nerves that controls movement and feeling in the shoulder, arm, and hand. The condition usually begins suddenly and can cause intense pain followed by weakness in the affected arm.
Symptoms often affect only one side of the body. While recovery may take time, many people gradually regain strength and function with treatment and rehabilitation.
The exact cause is not always clear. In some cases, symptoms may appear after an illness, infection, surgery, or injury. Experts believe inflammation or an immune system response may play a role in damaging the nerves.
Symptoms
Brachial neuritis often starts with sudden, severe pain in the shoulder or upper arm. After the pain begins, weakness or trouble using the arm may develop over several days.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or burning shoulder pain
- Weakness in the arm or shoulder
- Difficulty lifting or moving the arm
- Numbness or reduced sensation
- Muscle loss or decreased muscle control
- Limited range of motion
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your strength, movement, and sensation. Because other conditions can cause similar symptoms, testing is often used to confirm the diagnosis.
Common diagnostic tests may include:
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Nerve conduction studies
- MRI scans
- Blood tests
These tests help evaluate nerve function and rule out other possible causes of shoulder or arm pain.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment focuses on relieving pain, improving movement, and helping the nerves recover over time. Many people improve gradually, although recovery can take several months or longer.
Treatment options may include:
- Pain-relieving medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicines such as corticosteroids
- Physical therapy
- Stretching and range-of-motion exercises
- Activity modifications during recovery
Physical therapy is often an important part of treatment because it can help maintain flexibility and rebuild strength as the nerves heal.
