Brachial Plexus Injury

What is Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to your shoulder, hand and arm. A brachial plexus injury happens when these groups of nerves are compressed, outstretched or ripped apart or torn away from the spinal cord. Minor brachial plexus injuries, known as stingers and burners, are common and can be completely recovered in some weeks. Whereas other injuries are severe enough and could cause endless disability in the arm. Various surgical operations such as nerve transfers, nerve grafts or muscle transfers can help restore function.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a brachial plexus injury can vary, depending on the extremity and location of your injury. Some of the general signs and symptoms of this injury are:

  • Numbness and weakness in your arm
  • Severe pain
  • A limp or paralysed arm
  • A complete lack of movement or inability to use certain muscles in your arm, hand or shoulder

Causes

Most of the feasible causes of this injury include:

  • Birth defects
  • Inflammation
  • Pressure from tumors
  • Contact sports
  • Radiation treatment

Risks

The main risk factors associated with brachial plexus injury include:

  • Motor vehicle accident
  • Male sex
  • Parsonage-turner syndrome
  • Tumors

Prevention

The disease can be prevented by:

  • Safe driving
  • Daily range of motion exercise
  • Eat balanced diet

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will review your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to diagnose your condition. To help diagnose the extent and severity of brachial plexus injury, your doctor may order you to...

How is it treated?

The treatment of brachial plexus injury depends on many factors including the extremity of the injury, the type of injury and the period of time since the injury and other existing conditions. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy to keep your ..

When do I contact the doctor?

Brachial plexus injuries can cause permanent weakness or disability. Even if your injury seems minor, then you need to take an appointment with your doctor for further tests or assistance.

Book an Appointment

How does Medanta provide care?

The Medanta Bone and Joint Institute is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthesia and pain medicine specialists and physical and occupational therapists.  Our specialists are focused on all kinds of musculoskeleta..

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