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 lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand.
(Erb’s Palsy is synonymous with brachial plexus injury)
Although injuries can occur at any time, many brachial plexus injuries happen during birth: The baby's shoulders may become impacted during the birth process causing the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear.
There are four types of brachial plexus injuries:
- Avulsion, the most severe type, the nerve is torn from the spine.
- Rupture, the nerve is torn but not at the spinal attachment.
- Neuroma, the nerve has tried to heal itself but scar tissue has grown around the injury, putting pressure on the injured nerve and preventing the nerve from conducting signals to the muscles.
- Neuropraxia or stretch, the nerve has been damaged but not torn. Neuropraxia is the most common type of brachial plexus injury.
Is there any treatment for brachial plexus injuries?
Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. Many babies 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.
What is the prognosis for brachial plexus injury?
The site and type of brachial plexus injury determine the prognosis. For avulsion and rupture injuries there is no potential for recovery unless surgical reconnection is made in a timely manner. For neuroma and neuropraxia injuries, the potential for recovery varies. Most patients with neuropraxia injuries recover spontaneously with a 90 to 100 percent return of function.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts and supports research on injuries to organs and networks within the nervous system, such as the brachial plexus. Much of this research is aimed at finding ways to prevent and treat these disorders.
The content on this page is in the public domain and was prepared by NINDS and the National Institute of Health.
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