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Neurology (Expert Forum)
bilateral phrenic nerve neuropathy
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Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS, Mar 06, 2001 12:00AM
Dear mfw:
I am sorry that your having problems with your phrenic nerve and breathing. I will assume that the paralysis is only partial or you would be on mechanical ventillation. What you have is called neuralgic amyotrophy and is usually found in the brachial plexus but has been known to occur in other nerves. What did they tell you at the Mayo Clinic? In some cases we think it is caused by an autoimmune process following a viral infection, it has been known to be associated with pregnancy, and surgery. We are unsure of the etiology in the latter cases. Men are affected more than women, pain can be severe, much of the process is muscle in that there can be muscle wasting. Most patients improve within several months and 80-90% recover within in 2-3 years. It can reoccur (if you have another surgery, it can reoccur). I hope you improve soon and my brief description is what you heard at the Mayo Clinic.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I am sorry that your having problems with your phrenic nerve and breathing. I will assume that the paralysis is only partial or you would be on mechanical ventillation. What you have is called neuralgic amyotrophy and is usually found in the brachial plexus but has been known to occur in other nerves. What did they tell you at the Mayo Clinic? In some cases we think it is caused by an autoimmune process following a viral infection, it has been known to be associated with pregnancy, and surgery. We are unsure of the etiology in the latter cases. Men are affected more than women, pain can be severe, much of the process is muscle in that there can be muscle wasting. Most patients improve within several months and 80-90% recover within in 2-3 years. It can reoccur (if you have another surgery, it can reoccur). I hope you improve soon and my brief description is what you heard at the Mayo Clinic.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
The surgeon told me "good luck" - I didn't cause it - and perhaps he didn't but I went in with a fully functioning diaphragm and I've got half of one now. I'm not too satisfied with his answer.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a Hospital, Doctor or medical Educational Institution which may have some expertise in this area - or at least some experience. I'm in Hawaii and to show you ho bad things are over here - I diagnosed my own condition!!
Thanks for any information that anyone can provide - I'm ready and willing to travel anywhere that may give me the best shot at improvement.
Regards,
Dennis Pettigrew
808-637-8846
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