Burners (Stingers) Syndrome

Introduction

This Wiki page aims to provide readers with a background understanding of Burner’s syndrome (also known as Stinger’s syndrome), why the young athletic population are more at risk and give an insight into the different management options which are available. We will discuss the different treatment options supported by research evidence, with a focus on the efficacy of each treatment options in returning the athlete to the sport and preventing future recurrence and potentially more serious neurological developments.

What is Burner’s Syndrome?

Burner’s syndrome is a common injury in contact sports and reflects an upper cervical root injury. It is a transient nerve injury which occurs following over-stretching of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus or compression of the C5/C6 nerve root, depending on the mechanism of injury. Recurrences are common and can lead to permanent neurologic deficits. Burner’s syndrome tends to be a grade I or grade II nerve injury.

Classification of Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Grade I- Neuropraxia

Grade II- Axonotmesis

Grade III- Neurotmesis

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Classification_of_Peripheral_Nerve_Injury

Aetiology and Epidemiology

Burners’ may be the most common upper extremity nerve injury seen in competitive athletes. (Dimbergand Burns, 2005; Krivickas and Wilbourn, 1998).

There are three main mechanisms of injury which may cause Burner’s syndrome:

A) A forceful blow causing depression of the shoulder and lateral flexion of the neck to the contralateral side, leading to traction of the upper roots of the brachial plexus.

B) Direct blow to supraclavicular fossa or Erb’s point causing a percussive injury.

C) Compression of nerve roots or brachial plexus when head is forced into hyperextension and ipsilateral side flexion towards the side of trauma.