Acute brachial neuropathy in athletes.

Acute brachial neuropathy is an uncommon etiology of shoulder pain and disability. It can, however, present in association with athletic activity and therefore must be included in the differential diagnosis of athletes with such symptomatology. Findings that should alert the examiner to the possible presence of acute brachial neuropathy include 1) onset with noncontact as well as contact sports, 2) rather acute onset of pain without specific inciting trauma, 3) persistent, often severe pain that continues despite rest, 4) patchy brachial plexus and/or peripheral nerve involvement, and, 5) dominant arm predominance of symptoms and signs. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies often can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment begins with rest and continues through a rehabilitation phase. Followup of athletes with acute brachial neuropathy discloses that weakness may persist in the affected muscles. Absolute strength parity may be difficult to achieve, so permission to participate in athletics must be given on a case by case basis.