Diagnosing a Rare Neurological Disorder
A recent New York Times article about acclaimed violinist Jennifer Koh chronicles her years-long search for answers after developing unexplained numbness that increasingly affected her ability to play.
Koh was ultimately diagnosed with Parsonage-Turner syndrome by Christina Ulane, MD, PhD, a neuromuscular medicine specialist and Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The rare disorder affects the network of nerves that controls muscles and sensation in the shoulder and arm and can vary considerably in how it presents.
Dr. Ulane spoke with The Times about Koh’s diagnosis and the challenges of identifying a condition that can be particularly consequential for musicians and others whose work depends on precise upper-extremity function.