Acute brachial neuritis physical examination

Overview
An exam of the arm, hand and wrist can reveal a problem with the nerves of the brachial plexus.

Signs may include:
 * Deformity of the arm or hand
 * Difficulty moving the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers
 * Diminished arm reflexes
 * Wasting of the muscles
 * Weakness of hand flexing

A detailed history may help determine the cause of the acute brachial neuritis. Age and gender are important because some brachial plexus problems are more common in certain group. For example, young men more often have inflammatory or post-viral brachial plexus disease called Parsonage Turner syndrome.