RESUMO
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.
RESUMO
We report a case of a patient with profound right-sided hemiballismus resulting from an acute unilateral left thalamic lesion. The hemiballismus was significant and persistent, resulting in profound functional disability. We discuss the use of low-dose haloperidol in conjunction with acute rehabilitation in the treatment of hemiballismus, resulting in decreased amplitude and frequency of adventitious movements and leading to substantial functional gains in our patient. To our knowledge, this is the first extensive report of successful rehabilitation of a patient with functionally disabling hemiballismus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.
