臂丛神经损伤相当罕见,可能由多种原因引起。 成人的大多数创伤性臂丛神经损伤与机动车辆事故、枪机伤或刺伤、身体接触运动事故、重体力劳动期间的工作场所意外有关。[5]Midha R. Epidemiology of brachial plexus injuries in a multitrauma population. Neurosurgery. 1997;40:1182-1189.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9179891?tool=bestpractice.com
在其他创伤情况下,可见到程度较轻的损伤,例如手术期间定位不正确、Parsonage-Turner综合征等炎症性疾病、原发和转移性肿瘤。[12]Kim DH, Cho YJ, Tiel RL, et al. Outcomes of surgery in 1019 brachial plexus lesions treated at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. J Neurosurg. 2003;98:1005-1016.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12744360?tool=bestpractice.com[13]Mullins GM, O'Sullivan SS, Neligan A, et al. Non-traumatic brachial plexopathies, clinical, radiological and neurophysiological findings from a tertiary centre. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2007;109:661-666.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17624660?tool=bestpractice.com 肺尖Pancoast肿瘤可导致典型的较低神经根症状,例如手疼痛和麻痹,此病很常见,如果没有其他明显原因,严重手痛病例应当考虑此病。[14]Bisbinas I, Langkamer VG. Pitfalls and delay in the diagnosis of Pancoast tumour presenting in orthopaedic units. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1999;81:291-295.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503294/pdf/annrcse01621-0009.pdfhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10645168?tool=bestpractice.com
一些代谢病(包括糖尿病)、肝病和肾病,可能导致神经损伤。[15]Mygland A. Approach to the patient with chronic polyneuropathy. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 2007;187:15-21.