Brachial Plexus Injury

Brachial plexus injuries are caused by excessive stretching, tearing, or other trauma to a network of nerves from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Symptoms may include a limp or paralyzed arm, loss of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist, and lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand. Injuries often occur secondary to vehicular accidents, sports injuries, gunshot wounds, or surgeries; many brachial plexus injuries happen during birth, if the baby’s shoulders become impacted during the birth process causing the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear. 

Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. Many children improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age. Treatment for brachial plexus injuries includes occupational or physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. The site and type of brachial plexus injury determine the prognosis. For avulsion (tears) and rupture injuries there is no potential for recovery unless surgical reconnection is made in a timely manner. For neuroma (scarring) and neuropraxia (stretching) injuries the potential for recovery is more encouraging. Most patients with neuropraxia injuries recover spontaneously with a 90-100 percent return of function.

The major area of concern to the people with brachial plexus injures is often management of pain, which can be chronic and extreme, and which does not generally respond well to many painkillers.

According to the United Brachial Plexus Network, obstetrical injuries of this sort need not be reported to the Centers for Disease Control; therefore, many cases are incorrectly diagnosed or referred to as Erb's Palsy.

Sources: United Brachial Plexus Network, Brachial Plexus Palsy Foundation, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke