Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Case Report of Compression-Induced Injury Associated With Alcohol Intoxication.

Cureus

Geriatric Medicine, Loretto Health and Rehabilitation, Syracuse, USA.

Published: July 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • Brachial plexus palsy is a serious nerve condition often linked to trauma, inflammation, or tumors, but this report discusses a unique case related to alcohol use.
  • A 72-year-old man with chronic alcohol abuse experienced left arm weakness after falling and staying immobile, leading to paralysis and pain without any acute fractures.
  • The case underscores how alcohol intoxication and prolonged immobilization could lead to brachial plexus palsy, stressing the need for doctors to explore alternative causes for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Article Abstract

Brachial plexus palsy is a complex neuropathy associated with traumatic injuries, inflammatory processes, and tumors. In this report, we present an unusual case of brachial plexus palsy in a 72-year-old man with a history of chronic alcohol abuse. The patient presented to the emergency room with left arm weakness following a fall under the influence of alcohol that resulted in prolonged immobilization. An initial neurologic exam identified paralysis, numbness, and pain in the left upper extremity; however, further studies confirmed the absence of acute fractures or evidence of compartment syndrome. This case highlights the potential for alcohol intoxication and prolonged immobilization, in the absence of traumatic injury, as a contributing cause of brachial plexus palsy. Furthermore, this case emphasizes the importance of considering alternative causes of brachial plexus injury for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11315434PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.64226DOI Listing

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