Brachial plexus injury

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Brachial plexus injury
Synonyms	Brachial plexus neuropathy, Erb's palsy (upper trunk), Klumpke's palsy (lower trunk)
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Weakness, numbness, loss of function in the arm
Complications	Chronic pain, muscle atrophy, paralysis
Onset	At birth or due to trauma
Duration	Varies, can be temporary or permanent
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma, birth injury, tumors, inflammation
Risks	Shoulder dystocia, motorcycle accidents, sports injuries
Diagnosis	Physical examination, MRI, nerve conduction study
Differential diagnosis	Cervical radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Physical therapy, surgery, nerve grafting
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies, depends on severity and treatment
Frequency	1-2 per 1,000 live births (for birth-related injuries)
Deaths	N/A

Brachial plexus anatomy

Anterior view of brachial plexus nerves

Traumatic event leading to BPI

Incidence of obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Motorcycles and brachial plexus injury

A Brachial plexus injury is a type of nerve injury that occurs when the brachial plexus—a network of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand—is damaged. This can result in loss of muscle function and sensation in the affected area.

Causes

Brachial plexus injuries can occur as a result of shoulder trauma, tumors, or inflammation. However, the most common cause is birth injury, which can occur when there is difficulty delivering the baby's shoulder, known as shoulder dystocia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury can vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the injury. They may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
• Weakness in the arm or hand
• Inability to use certain muscles in the hand or arm
• Severe pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a brachial plexus injury often involves a physical examination, during which the doctor may check for muscle weakness and feeling in the arm and hand. Imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, may also be used to help determine the location and extent of the damage.

Treatment

Treatment for brachial plexus injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Some mild injuries may heal on their own, while others may require physical therapy, medication, or surgery. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a brachial plexus injury depends on the severity and location of the injury, as well as the patient's age and overall health. Some patients may recover fully, while others may experience long-term complications, such as chronic pain and muscle weakness.

See also

• Nerve injury
• Shoulder dystocia
• Physical therapy

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