Course Description:

Burner/stinger syndrome has many other names, including burner, stinger, and brachial plexus neurapraxia. It is a common injury in contact sports (e.g., football, ice hockey, and wrestling), in which direct force to the head and/or shoulder can cause either a compression- or traction-type injury to the brachial plexus. Another potential mechanism of injury is direct trauma to Erb’s point in the supraclavicular fossa, which is where the brachial plexus is most superficial. The symptoms experienced by patients are immediate pain, weakness, and numbness on the ipsilateral side of the brachial plexus injury. Although symptoms usually subside within several minutes, about 5% to 10% of all patients with burner/stinger syndrome will have symptoms lasting up to several weeks. Another concern that clinicians should have when evaluating patients with this condition is the potential for serious cervical spine and spinal cord injuries. Although most cases of burner/stinger syndrome are minor and short-lived, other, much more significant injuries need to be ruled out. Educating athletes on recognizing burner/stinger syndrome is an important first step in management, as having a history of burner/stinger syndrome increases the likelihood of future occurrences. Initial management will include pain reduction and protection of the brachial plexus from further trauma. Restoring normal range of motion (ROM) and strength and improving posture are basic elements in the rehabilitation of patients with burner/stinger syndrome.