Pregnancy SmartSiteTM

Skip Navigation Schedule An Appointment

Normal Pregnancy

Staying Healthy

Alcohol and pregnancy Managing your weight gain in pregnancy Steps to take before you get pregnant When you need to gain more weight during pregnancy

What to expect during pregnancy

Aches and pains during pregnancy Choosing the right practitioner Common symptoms during pregnancy Hyperemesis Gravidarum Morning sickness Pregnancy and travel Pregnancy and work Problems sleeping during pregnancy Skin and hair changes during pregnancy Teenage pregnancy

Preparing to go home with your baby

Cribs and crib safety Eat right during pregnancy Preparing your other children

Visits and Tests

Amniocentesis Chorionic villus sampling Genetic counseling before pregnancy Glucose tolerance test-pregnancy Monitoring your baby before labor Nuchal translucency Prenatal care in your first trimester Prenatal care in your second trimester Prenatal care in your third trimester

Axillary nerve dysfunction

Definition

Axillary nerve dysfunction is nerve damage that can lead to a loss of movement or sensation in the shoulder.

Causes

Axillary nerve dysfunction is a form of . It occurs when there is damage to the axillary nerve. This is the nerve that helps control the deltoid muscles of the shoulder and the skin around it. A problem with just one nerve, such as the axillary nerve, is called .

The usual causes are:

  • Direct injury
  • Long-term pressure on the nerve
  • Pressure on the nerve from nearby body structures (entrapment)
  • Shoulder injury

    • Entrapment creates pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow structure.

    The damage can destroy the myelin sheath that covers the nerve or part of the nerve cell (the axon). Damage of either type reduces or prevents the movement of signals through the nerve.

    Conditions that can lead to axillary nerve dysfunction include:

  • Body-wide (systemic) disorders that cause nerve inflammation
  • Deep infection
  • Fracture of the upper arm bone (humerus)
  • Pressure from casts or splints
  • Improper use of crutches
  • Shoulder dislocation

    • In some cases, no cause can be found.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • over part of the outer shoulder
  • Pain in the shoulder region
  • Shoulder , especially when lifting the arm up and away from the body

    • Exams and Tests

    Your health care provider will examine your neck, arm, and shoulder. Weakness of the shoulder can cause difficulty moving your arm.

    The deltoid muscle of the shoulder may show signs of (loss of muscle tissue and thinning).

    Tests that may be used to check axillary nerve dysfunction include:

  • and nerve conduction tests will likely be normal right after the injury and should be done several weeks after the injury or symptoms start
  • or x-rays of the shoulder

    • Treatment

    Depending on the cause of the nerve disorder, some people do not need treatment. The problem may get better on its own. The rate of recovery is different for everyone. It can take many months to recover.

    Anti-inflammatory medicines may be given if you have any of the following:

  • Sudden symptoms
  • Small changes in sensation or movement
  • No history of injury to the area
  • No signs of nerve damage

    • These medicines reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve. They may be injected directly into the area or taken by mouth.

    Other medicines include:

  • Over-the-counter pain medicines may be helpful for mild pain.
  • Medicines to help reduce stabbing pain ().
  • Opioid pain relievers may be needed to control severe pain.

    • If your symptoms continue or get worse, you may need surgery. If a trapped nerve is causing your symptoms, surgery to release the nerve may help you feel better.

    Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength. Job changes, muscle retraining, or other forms of therapy may be recommended.

    Outlook (Prognosis)

    It may be possible to make a full recovery if the cause of the axillary nerve dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated.

    Possible Complications

    Complications may include:

  • Deformity of the arm, shoulder , or
  • Partial in the arm (uncommon)
  • Partial shoulder
  • Repeated injury to the arm

    • When to Contact a Medical Professional

    Contact your provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of axillary nerve dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of controlling symptoms.

    Prevention

    Preventive measures vary, depending on the cause. Avoid putting pressure on the underarm area for long periods. Make sure casts, splints, and other appliances fit properly. When you use crutches, learn how to avoid putting pressure on the underarm.

    References

    Hess DE, Taylor KF, Chhabra AB. Nerve entrapment. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 54.

    Pierrie SN, Loeffler BJ. Common nerve injuries about the shoulder. In: Skirven TM, Osterman AL, Fedroczyk JM, Amadio PC, Feldscher SB, Shin EK, eds. Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 47.

    Schedule An Appointment

    Contact Atlanta Obsetrics and Gynaecology at The Womens Center Millennium Hospital - 404-ATL-BABY

    GO

    Review Date: 1/23/2023

    Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.