What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• AND (Axillary Nerve Dysfunction)
• Axillary Nerve Neuropathy
• Neuropathy of the Axillary Nerve

What is Axillary Nerve Dysfunction? (Definition/Background Information)

• Axillary Nerve Dysfunction (AND) is caused by damage and stress to the axillary nerve. The axillary nerve supplies the skin and muscles of the shoulder. The condition is a form of isolated nerve dysfunction (IND)
• Common causes of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction include shoulder dislocation, trauma to the shoulder, improper use of crutches, and bone fracture. The condition can cause the loss of movements and sensations in the shoulder area
• Treatment for this disorder depends on the cause and severity of damage to the nerve. A majority of patients respond well to physical therapy and over-the-counter pain medications; surgery may be required in some cases
• The prognosis is generally good for mild to moderate cases with appropriate treatment; severe cases may cause irreversible nerve damage and associated complications

Who gets Axillary Nerve Dysfunction? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Axillary Nerve Dysfunction is typically a result of shoulder dislocation
• Shoulder dislocation occurs more frequently in men. Up to 65% of such dislocations involve the axillary nerve. Individuals over the age of 50 years are at a higher risk for bone fractures
• Both male and female genders are affected
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic group preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Axillary Nerve Dysfunction? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors associated with Axillary Nerve Dysfunction include:

• Shoulder dislocation and bone fractures (fracture in the neck of the humerus bone)
• Participation in high-impact athletic sports
• Having to use crutches (misuse can result in nerve damage)
• Occupation and activities that involve a repetitive use of the shoulder
• Gunshot or knife injury wounds

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction? (Etiology)

Axillary Nerve Dysfunction (AND) is a result of damage or stress to the axillary nerve. Commonly, the damage occurs from a trauma (cut injury or blunt force), nerve compression, or poor blood supply to the affected region. The causes of AND may include:

• Trauma to the shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder
• Improper use of crutches
• Chronic pressure on nerve
• Bone fractures
• Penetrating wounds
• Deep infection that causes inflammation of the axillary nerve

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction?

The signs and symptoms of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction may include:

• Numbness or tingling of the shoulder region
• Weakness of the shoulder
• Loss of muscle mass
• Difficulty lifting objects or moving one’s arms over the head
• Shoulder pain that may be dull or sharp
• Decreased range of motion
• Reduced sensation; feeling numb

How is Axillary Nerve Dysfunction Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction may include:

• A thorough physical examination of the shoulder joint along with a complete evaluation of medical history 
• Nerve conduction velocity studies
• Electromyography (EMG): A diagnostic procedure to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities
• Radiological imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans of the shoulder region, as necessary
• Tests and procedures to diagnose an underlying condition/disorder, if any present
• Biopsy of the nerve, if needed: A tissue biopsy of the affected nerve is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction?

Complications associated with Axillary Nerve Dysfunction may include: 

• Decreased muscle mass
• Chronic pain
• Loss of arm sensation
• Arm deformity
• Paralysis of the limb
• Increased vulnerability to subsequent injuries

How is Axillary Nerve Dysfunction Treated?

A treatment for Axillary Nerve Dysfunction (AND) will depend on the cause and severity of damage to the nerve. The treatment measures for AND may include:

• Physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength and range of motion
• Pain medications to help with pain; the use of narcotics or opiates in the case of severe pain
• Muscular strengthening exercises
• Image-guided nerve block procedure, if necessary
• Limiting activities to prevent injury from a loss of sensation
• Surgery: When symptoms do not respond to the above measures and continue to get worse, then surgery may be necessary to help relieve the pressure on the nerve
• Some individuals do not need any treatment; the condition gets better on its own

How can Axillary Nerve Dysfunction be Prevented?

Axillary Nerve Dysfunction can be prevented by:

• Wearing proper safety equipment during high impact activities or sports
• Avoiding pressure on the arm for a long period of time
• Properly using casts, splints, or crutches
• Avoiding obesity through diet control and sufficient physical exercise

What is the Prognosis of Axillary Nerve Dysfunction? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis linked to Axillary Nerve Dysfunction is dependent on the magnitude of initial damage.

• Most cases can be effectively treated, though it may take from 3 months to a year for a complete recovery, depending on the type of treatment needed
• If the damage is very severe, there may be permanent nerve damage leading to some form of paralysis in the region involved

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Axillary Nerve Dysfunction:

Any injury to the nerves can lead to long term damage if not treated immediately and properly.