Learn About Axillary Nerve Dysfunction
Axillary nerve dysfunction is nerve damage that can lead to a loss of movement or sensation in the shoulder.
Neuropathy - axillary nerve
Axillary nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy. 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 mononeuropathy.
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 may include any of the following:
- Numbness over part of the outer shoulder
- Pain in the shoulder region
- Shoulder weakness, especially when lifting the arm up and away from the body (shoulder abduction)
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 (neuralgia).
- Opioid pain relievers are rarely helpful for neuropathic 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.
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Zhongyu Li is a Hand Surgeon and an Orthopedics provider in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Li is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Brachial Plexopathy, Axillary Nerve Dysfunction, Radial Nerve Dysfunction, Osteotomy, and Bone Graft. Dr. Li is currently accepting new patients.
Texas Orthopaedic Associates
George Lebus is a Sports Medicine specialist and an Orthopedics provider in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Lebus is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Axillary Nerve Dysfunction, Bursitis, Hip Replacement, and Endoscopy. Dr. Lebus is currently accepting new patients.
Proliance Surgeons
Alan B. Thomas, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity surgery. He has been practicing medicine since 2000, and he has a special interest in arthroscopy of the wrist, elbow and shoulder. He received a CAQ subspecialty certificate in orthopedic surgery of the hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.He enjoys the challenges of restoring people to health through his practice. His doctorate work in biochemistry opened up new approaches for treating complex problems and made him a more detailed clinician.Dr. Thomas is a former vice president of St. Clare Hospital and has served on the operating and surgical committees for St Clare Hospital and the medical executive committee for Franciscan Health at St. Josephs Medical Center. He is a chairman for an outreach committee at his church and a member of the board of directors for The Health Project – Cambodia, which delivers medical supplies and equipment to underserved people in Southeast Asia and he travels to Cambodia each year to provide surgical care to those in need.Outside of his medical practice and volunteer work, he tries to keep up with his three children who are avid skiers, wakeboarders, and surfers. Dr. Thomas is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Trigger Thumb, and Rhizarthrosis.
It may be possible to make a full recovery if the cause of the axillary nerve dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated.
Complications may include:
- Deformity of the arm, shoulder contracture, or frozen shoulder
- Partial loss of sensation in the arm (uncommon)
- Partial shoulder paralysis
- Repeated injury to the arm
Contact your provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of axillary nerve dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of controlling symptoms.
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.
Published Date: February 11, 2025
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at 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.
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