Injury of axillary nerve

Injury of Axillary Nerve is a medical condition that involves damage to the axillary nerve, a nerve in the human body that controls the deltoid muscles and skin sensation in the shoulder. It is often caused by shoulder dislocation or fractures of the humerus.

Causes

The axillary nerve can be injured due to various reasons. The most common causes include:

• Shoulder dislocation: This is the most common cause of axillary nerve injury. The nerve can be damaged when the shoulder is dislocated, causing numbness and weakness in the shoulder.
• Fracture of the humerus: The axillary nerve runs close to the humerus, so a fracture can easily damage the nerve.
• Compression: The axillary nerve can be compressed by tumors, cysts, or other structures in the shoulder.

Symptoms

The symptoms of axillary nerve injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

• Weakness or paralysis of the deltoid muscles
• Loss of sensation in the shoulder
• Pain or discomfort in the shoulder

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of axillary nerve injury is usually made based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination. Additional tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for axillary nerve injury depends on the cause and severity of the injury. Options may include:

• Physical therapy: This can help to strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion in the shoulder.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged nerve or to remove any structures that are compressing the nerve.
• Medication: Pain medication can be used to manage pain associated with the injury.

Prognosis

The prognosis for axillary nerve injury depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment received. With appropriate treatment, most people can make a full recovery.

See Also

• Nerve injury
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Shoulder dislocation
• Humerus fracture

Injury of axillary nerve Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.