Abstract
Introduction: Isolated musculocutaneous neuropathy is uncommon. In this study we aimed to determine its causes and clinical presentation and interpret the electrodiagnostic findings associated with this condition. Methods: Our investigation was a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with musculocu-taneous neuropathy at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) electromyography (EMG) laboratory between 1997 and 2015. Results: Thirty-two patients with musculocutaneous neuropathy and 5 patients with lateral antebrachial cutaneous neuropathy were identified. The most common cause was acute trauma or surgery (65%). Fourteen percent of the cases were idiopathic and 14% were inflammatory. Pain and sensory disturbance were more common presentations than weakness. Weakness from nerve injury was not noted in 2 patients, suggesting that other muscles may provide adequate elbow flexion/supination. The bilateral absence of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve sensory responses suggests an inflammatory cause. Discussion: Muscu-locutaneous neuropathy usually results from trauma or iatrogenic injury. Nerve conduction studies alone are insufficient to confirm neuropathy, and needle EMG examination should be a routine part of the diagnostic evaluation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 726-729 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Muscle and Nerve |
Volume | 58 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2018 |
Keywords
- EMG
- Electrodiagnosis
- Iatrogenic
- Mononeuropathy
- Muscu-locutaneous
- Traumatic nerve injury
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Clinical Neurology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Physiology (medical)