Brachial Neuritis (BN)
Brachial Neuritis (BN)
Brachial neuritis is a rare but painful nerve condition that can develop after vaccination, often due to an abnormal immune response that causes inflammation in the network of nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand (called the brachial plexus).
This inflammation disrupts normal nerve signaling and leads to sudden, severe pain followed by weakness or loss of movement in the affected arm.
The pain often begins suddenly, sometimes within hours or days after a vaccination, and can spread from the shoulder down into the arm or hand. As the inflammation progresses, muscles may weaken, reflexes may fade, and the arm may feel numb or “heavy.”
Warning signs can appear suddenly and may include:
Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain in the shoulder or upper arm
Tingling or numbness spreading into the forearm or hand
Weakness or partial paralysis in one arm
Loss of muscle control or range of motion
Pain that worsens at night or when lying down
While many people recover gradually over months, others may experience lingering weakness or pain due to nerve damage.
If you or your child developed sudden shoulder or arm pain after a vaccination, you may have a Brachial Neuritis claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). These claims are time-sensitive, so contact our firm right away to begin your claim for compensation.
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Brachial neuritis (also called Parsonage-Turner Syndrome) is a rare nerve disorder that affects the brachial plexus — the bundle of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand.
It happens when these nerves become inflamed or damaged, usually due to an autoimmune or immune-triggered reaction.
The condition can appear suddenly, often overnight.
It causes severe shoulder and arm pain, followed by weakness or loss of movement.
The exact cause isn’t always known, but infections, surgeries, or vaccines can sometimes trigger it.
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Yes, in rare cases, Brachial Neuritis can be linked to vaccines.
Medical research suggests that an abnormal immune response may cause the body to mistakenly attack nerve tissue after vaccination — a process called molecular mimicry.
This reaction leads to inflammation in the brachial plexus.
It’s most often associated with tetanus-containing vaccines, such as Tdap or Td.
Brachial Neuritis is recognized under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) as a covered condition.
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The hallmark of this condition is sudden, severe pain in the shoulder or upper arm, often followed by muscle weakness or paralysis in the same arm.
Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain that may radiate down the arm
Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation
Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
Limited range of motion — difficulty lifting or rotating the arm
Pain that worsens at night or when lying down
The pain phase may last days to weeks, but weakness can linger for months or even years.
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There is no one go-to cure, but treatment focuses on reducing pain and supporting nerve healing.
Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Pain management with medications or nerve blocks can ease discomfort.
Physical therapy helps rebuild strength and restore movement.
Occupational therapy assists patients in adapting to temporary arm weakness.
Recovery can take months to years, and some may have partial long-term weakness or sensory loss.
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Brachial Neuritis is estimated to occur in about 1 to 3 cases per 100,000 people each year.
More common in men and typically affects only one arm.
About 10–15% of cases are linked to vaccination, more often tetanus-containing shots.
80–90% of patients experience significant recovery within 2–3 years.
