What are 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; and a lack of feeling or sensation in
the arm or hand. Brachial plexus injuries can occur as a result of shoulder
trauma, tumors, or inflammation. There is a rare syndrome called
Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, or brachial plexitis, which causes
inflammation of the brachial plexus without any obvious shoulder injury. This
syndrome can begin with severe shoulder or arm pain followed by weakness and
numbness. In infants, brachial plexus injuries may happen during birth if the
baby’s shoulder is stretched during passage in the birth canal.
The severity of a brachial plexus injury is determined by the type of damage
done to the nerves. The most severe type, avulsion, is caused when the
nerve root is severed or cut from the spinal cord. There is also an incomplete
form of avulsion in which part of the nerve is damaged and which leaves some
opportunity for the nerve to slowly recover function. Neuropraxia, or
stretch injury, is the mildest type of injury Neuropraxia damages the protective
covering of the nerve, which causes problems with nerve signal conduction, but
does not always damage the nerve underneath.
Is there any treatment?
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
for brachial plexus injuries includes physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
What is the prognosis?
The site and type of brachial plexus injury determines the prognosis. For
avulsion and rupture injuries, there is no potential for recovery unless
surgical reconnection is made in a timely manner. The potential for recovery
varies for neuroma and neuropraxia injuries. Most individuals with neuropraxia
injuries recover spontaneously with a 90-100% return of function.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on injuries to the nervous system
such as brachial plexus injuries. Much of this research is aimed at finding ways
to prevent and treat these disorders.
Organizations
Brachial Plexus Palsy Foundation
210 Springhaven Circle
Royersford, PA 19468
contact@brachialplexuspalsyfoundation.org
www.brachialplexuspalsyfoundation.org
Tel: 610.792.4234
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
4200 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 202
Lanham, MD 20706-4829
naricinfo@heitechservices.com
www.naric.com
Tel: 301.459.5900/301.459.5984 (TTY) 800.346.2742
Fax: 301.562.2401
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203.744.0100 Voice Mail 800.999.NORD (6673)
Fax: 203.798.2291
United Brachial Plexus Network
1610 Kent Street
Kent, OH 44240
info@ubpn.org
www.ubpn.org
Tel: 866.877.7004
Fax: 866.877.7004
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)
U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-7100
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr
Tel: 202.245.7460 202.245.7316 (TTY)
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/29/2008...index#6015
