|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Axillary nerve dysfunction |
|
| Alternative Names: | Neuropathy - axillary nerve
|
| Treatment: | Treatment is aimed at identifying the cause, treating it, and increasing mobility and independence. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous.
Conservative treatment is given if there is sudden onset of symptoms, minimal sensation or movement changes, no history of trauma to the area, and no evidence of nerve degeneration.
Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the axillary nerve in some cases. Systemic corticosteroids may be recommended for cases caused by inflammatory lesions (such as brachial amyotrophy and brachial neuritis).
Surgery may be necessary if the disorder is chronic, if symptoms get worse, if there is difficulty with movement, or if tests indicate degeneration of the nerve.
Surgical exploration may be necessary if nerve dysfunction is caused by entrapment, in which case surgical release of the nerve may help.
Surgical removal of tumors or other lesions that press on the nerve may benefit some cases.
Over-the-counter analgesics (such as acetaminophen tablets) or prescription analgesics may be needed to control pain (neuralgia). Other medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline) may reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience. Whenever possible, medication use should be avoided or reduced to lessen the risk of side effects..
Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain muscle strength. Vocational counseling, occupational therapy, job changes or retraining, or similar interventions may be recommended.
|
| Expectations (prognosis): | If the cause of the axillary nerve dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated, there is a possibility of full recovery. The extent of disability varies. The worst problem most often is shoulder weakness.
|
| Complications: | - Partial or complete arm paralysis
- Partial or complete loss of sensation in the arm (uncommon)
- Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the arm
- Deformity of the arm, shoulder contracture or fibrosis (frozen shoulder)
|
| Calling your health care provider: | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of axillary nerve dysfunction are present. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of controlling symptoms.
|
|
|
Review Date: 5/8/2003
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
|
