Axillary Nerve Dysfunction

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Treatment

Treatment is aimed at identifying the cause, treating it, and increasing mobility and independence. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous.

Conservative treatment is given if there is sudden onset of symptoms, minimal sensation or movement changes, no history of trauma to the area, and no evidence of nerve degeneration.

Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the axillary nerve in some cases. Systemic corticosteroids may be recommended for cases caused by inflammatory lesions (such as brachial amyotrophy and brachial neuritis).

Surgery may be necessary if the disorder is chronic, if symptoms get worse, if there is difficulty with movement, or if tests indicate degeneration of the nerve.

Surgical exploration may be necessary if nerve dysfunction is caused by entrapment, in which case surgical release of the nerve may help.

Surgical removal of tumors or other lesions that press on the nerve may benefit some cases.

Over-the-counter analgesics (such as acetaminophen tablets) or prescription analgesics may be needed to control pain (neuralgia). Other medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline) may reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience. Whenever possible, medication use should be avoided or reduced to lessen the risk of side effects..

Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain muscle strength. Vocational counseling, occupational therapy, job changes or retraining, or similar interventions may be recommended.