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A stinger is a short lived neuropraxia to the upper brachial plexus
Named for the temporary sensation that radiates from the shoulder to the hand
Can occur though 3 common mechanisms
Most commonly from direct traumatic or tractional injury
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Common in American Football
Occurs in almost 50% of players over a 4-year college career
Most commonly to running backs and linebackers in one NFL study
Symptoms: Unilateral burning pain and tingling in the arm with transient weakness
Symptoms NOT confined to a single dermatome.
Usually in C5, C6 innervated muscles (deltoid and biceps).
Symptoms are transient usually resolving in approximately 2 minutes
If asked to examine someone for this at a sporting event
Evaluate patient for:
C spine tenderness
Full cervical range of motion
UNILATERAL weakness in shoulder Abductors and external rotators
UNILATERAL weakness in biceps
UNILATERAL weakness in forearm pronation
UNILATERAL weakness in triceps extension
Consider evaluation for concussion symptoms if appropriate
Majority of patients in college and profession sports return to play in game when exam returns to normal