Treatment of Brachioradial Pruritus with Interlaminar Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection: A Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) is a neuropathic dysesthesia described as itching in the upper extremities. The pathophysiology of BRP has not yet been elucidated and is postulated to be multifactorial including spine pathology and sun exposure. CASE REPORT: In a case of BRP refractory to gabapentin and physical therapy with radiographic evidence of cervical spine and disc degenerative disease and a history of symptoms of compressive neuropathy, we performed an interlaminar cervical epidural steroid injection that resulted in resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case suggests a role for neuraxial steroids in the treatment of BRP and requires further investigation. KEY WORDS: Brachioradial pruritus, cervical epidural steroid injection, degenerative spine disease, neuropathic dysesthesia