Cranial Nerve Involvement in Neuralgic Amyotrophy

Neuralgic Amyotrophy (NA) is generally conceived as a multifocal neuropathy of the brachial plexus. However, different atypical forms with the involvement of other peripheral nerves, such as the lumbosacral plexus, the intercostal and the phrenic nerve and the cranial nerves (CNs), have been reported in the literature. In an attempt to shed more light on the atypical presentation of NA with CN involvement, we summarized the most relevant features of all cases of idiopathic NA with CN palsy, published up to January 2016. CN involvement in NA usually occurs with concomitant classic brachial plexopathy. Less frequently, CN palsy is the unique manifestation of the syndrome. In these cases, clinical suspicion and imaging studies are essential for a correct diagnosis, which may have therapeutic and prognostic relevance.