Idiopathic Neuralgic Amyotrophy in a Child Treated with Integrated Rehabilitation Program: A Case Report

Abstract

Idiopathic neuralgic amyotrophy (INA) in children is a rare peripheral neuropathy showing distinctive clinical features. An 8-year-old boy presented with left shoulder pain and weakness lasting 4 weeks. He had learned Taekwondo and swimming before the onset of pain. A fever had developed 10 weeks before onset but had completely resolved after medication. Initially, he was diagnosed with shoulder subluxation and underwent successful reduction. However, he continued to complain of persistent pain and weakness. All the studies indicated normal findings, except for the electrodiagnostic assessment, which revealed partial brachial plexopathy. A rehabilitation program was performed. It consisted of physical and occupational therapy twice a week. After 5-month rehabilitation, the patient remarkably improved in both neurologic and functional status. INA should be considered and evaluated in cases with abrupt onset of shoulder pain and weakness in children. Also, an integrated rehabilitation program during the subacute phase can be helpful to facilitate neurologic and functional recovery and reduce sequelae.