The Importance of Differentiating Parsonage-Turner Syndrome From Cervical Radiculopathy: A Case Report

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is a rare disease process in which one develops acute-onset shoulder pain, followed by progressive weakness of the upper arm and shoulder girdle musculature. PTS is difficult to diagnose as it mimics similar presenting pathologies, most commonly, cervical radiculopathy (CR). Clinical presentation and diagnostic tests are particularly important to identify this rare syndrome, as the treatment for similar conditions may be more invasive. We present an interesting case of a 32-year-old female with severe unilateral shoulder pain, followed by weakness of her upper extremity musculature. The etiology of her symptoms cannot be concluded for certain; however, the aim of this case report is to increase awareness of this rare but potentially debilitating syndrome while also educating providers on the importance of differentiating PTS from the more commonly diagnosed CR.