Clinical Condition Comparison

Question 1

Radial Tunnel versus Waternberg’s Syndrome

Answer 1

Pain: RTS is deep achy on dorsal PROXiMAL forearm; WS is ill-defined pain over dorsal radial HAND
Weakness: RTS compresses the posterior interosseous nerve = Motor weakness of thumb and digital EXTENSION at MP joints; WS = NO motor weakness

Question 2

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome versus Pronator Teres Syndrome

Answer 2

PTS does not have pain at night and is often triggered by repetitive forearm pronation and supination.

Question 3

Erb’s Plasy versus Klumpke’s Palsy

Answer 3

Both are associated with a brachial plexus traction injury
Erb’s palsy sign: arm internal rotation, elbow extension and forearm pronation; affects C5-C6 ‘Upper Trunk of the Brachial Plexus’
Klumpke’s palsy sign: total claw hand with all fingers flexed; affects C8-T1 ‘Inferior Trunk of the Brachial Plexus

Question 4

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome vs. Erb’s Palsy

Answer 4

Rare, acute onset of viral neuritis affecting the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. No evidence of traction injury or birth injury. Atrophy may develop weeks after onset.

Question 5

Vertebral Basilar Artery vs. Internal Carotid Artery Insufficiency

Answer 5

1) 5D’s, 2 A’s and 3 N’s; early symptoms can present as unilateral upper neck pain and headache.
2) Ptosis, head pain in the fronto-temporo-parietal areas, lower cranial nerve dysfunction CN 8-12; early symptoms can present as mid-upper cervical pain.