| Abstract/Notes |
The symptom complex of neck and arm pain, known as "brachial neuritis" was described first in the literature in the early 1940's. "(4,5) In 1941 Wyburn-Mason wrote of brachial neuritis, occurring in small epidemic form, with unknown etiology.(5) Later documentation showed a consensus in the onset of symptoms. The pain is described as being "sharp," "stabbing," or "aching," with acute sudden onset. The pain generally begins in the region of the shoulder blade, radiating along the side of the neck, frequently throughout the upper extremity.( 1,2,3,4,5) Spillane noted the pain was commonly worse at night and frequently prevented sleep.(4) Recovery rates vary, however, most cases have a favorable prognosis, with recovery occurring within one to three years.(1,2,3,4,5) In more modern terminology, this complex has become known as "brachial neuralgia," or "cervicobrachialgia."
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