Brachial Neuritis Center

The UCSF Brachial Neuritis Center is the first program in the United States to provide comprehensive care for patients with brachial neuritis. A type of peripheral neuropathy, the condition is caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a thick bundle of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the shoulders, arms and hands. Patients typically first experience intense pain, tingling or numbness in the upper arms and shoulders, followed by muscular weakness and wasting. Brachial neuritis can be triggered by an injury, an infection, or vaccine or be the result of a rare genetic disorder, hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition.

New patients are evaluated by brachial neuritis specialists, who have the expertise to establish or confirm the diagnosis. We also offer a clinic especially for brachial neuritis patients, where they receive integrated care from a multidisciplinary team that includes a neurologist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist and a respiratory therapist. We provide a range of treatments for both acute and chronic brachial neuritis, including immune-modulating medications, pain management, motor and functional rehabilitation, and respiratory support and rehabilitation. Patients may also have an opportunity to participate in clinical trials, studies of promising new therapies.

Our threefold mission is to provide exceptional and thorough care for brachial neuritis, advance the understanding and treatment of the condition through scientific discovery and education, and elevate the diagnosis and treatment of brachial neuritis at UCSF and nationally.