Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS), also known as neuralgic amyotrophy or brachial neuritis is thought to be an inflammatory process affecting the peripheral nerves. It presents with acute, asymmetric upper limb pain, with multifocal sensorimotor neuropathies. The incidence is ~3 per 100,000. Aetiologies include toxic, autoimmune, post viral and post radiation effects.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)  can cause severe systemic conditions in immunocompromised people. It is typically asymptomatic in healthy individuals but has been rarely associated with PTS

We present two cases of young, healthy men who presented  similarly and were found to be CMV positive. Conventional treatment approaches includes immunoglobulins or steroids but these are usually ineffective.  Early identification of CMV prompted Valgangcyclovir use. The recognition of PTS relies on high suspicion from the clinical history- imaging and NCS are frequently used but have low sensitivity. These cases highlight the need for a comprehensive work-up to identify possible triggers and augment treatment accordingly. Prognosis is favourable with up to 90% of patients having a good outcome at 2 years.