Brachial Neuritis After Botulinum Toxin Injections for Cervical Dystonia: A Need for a Reappraisal?

BACKGROUND

Brachial neuritis has previously been described as a rare occurrence in patients receiving botulinum toxin for cervical or writing/focal arm dystonia.

METHODS

We report four cases of patients with a long history of cervical dystonia treated with botulinum toxin injections.

RESULTS

All patients developed pain and muscular weakness around the shoulder, with EMG studies suggesting brachial neuritis.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of these observations, we discuss the question of an association between brachial neuritis and botulinum toxin treatment.