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Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Brachial plexus injuries are caused by damage to those nerves.

Symptoms may include

  • A limp or paralyzed arm
  • Lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist
  • Lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand

Brachial plexus injuries can occur as a result of shoulder trauma, tumors, or inflammation. Sometimes they happen during childbirth when a baby's shoulders become stuck during delivery and the nerves stretch or tear.

Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. Many children who are injured during birth improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age. Treatment includes physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Symptoms of Brachial Plexus Injuries

The following features are indicative of Brachial Plexus Injuries:
  • burning sensation shooting down the arm
  • numbness and weakness in the arms
  • severe pain
  • inability to use certain muscles in the hand, arm or shoulder
  • complete lack of movement and feeling in the arm including shoulder and hand

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Common Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries

The following are the most common causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries:
  • Parsonage-Turner syndrome
  • contact sports
  • motor vehicle accidents
  • radiation treatment
  • falls or bullet wounds

Risk Factors for Brachial Plexus Injuries

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Brachial Plexus Injuries:
  • people participating in contact sports, particularly football and wrestling
  • involvement in high-speed accidents

Prevention of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Brachial Plexus Injuries. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • do regular exercise

Occurrence of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Brachial Plexus Injuries cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very rare between 1K - 10K cases

Common Age Group

Brachial Plexus Injuries most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-50 years

Common Gender

Brachial Plexus Injuries can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Brachial Plexus Injuries

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Brachial Plexus Injuries:
  • Electromyography (EMG): To evaluate the electrical activity of the muscles
  • Nerve conduction studies: To get information regarding the functional capability of nerves
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To get detailed views of the bodies
  • Computerized tomography (CT): To get cross sectional images of the body
  • Angiogram: To check the injury related condition of blood vessels

Doctor for Diagnosis of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Brachial Plexus Injuries:
  • Emergency medicine specialist
  • Occupational Therapist

Complications of Brachial Plexus Injuries if untreated

Yes, Brachial Plexus Injuries causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Brachial Plexus Injuries is left untreated:
  • stiff joints
  • pain
  • loss of feeling
  • muscle atrophy
  • permanent disability

Procedures for Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injuries

The following procedures are used to treat Brachial Plexus Injuries:
  • Physical Therapy: Promotes the rehabilitation and prevents the muscle atrophy

Self-care for Brachial Plexus Injuries

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Brachial Plexus Injuries:
  • Exercise regularly: Prevents the muscles from becoming stiff

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injuries

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Brachial Plexus Injuries:
  • Electroacupuncture therapy: Helps in treating pain after brachial plexus injury

Time for Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injuries

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Brachial Plexus Injuries to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 6 months - 1 year

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Brachial Plexus Injuries.

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