Brachial Plexus Injuries: MedlinePlus [NEW TOPIC PAGE]

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Brachial Plexus Injuries: MedlinePlus

 

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National Institutes of Health

Brachial Plexus Injuries

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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
• Lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand

Brachial plexus injuries can occur as a result of shoulder trauma, tumors, or inflammation. Sometimes they happen during childbirth when a baby's shoulders become stuck during delivery and the nerves stretch or tear.
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 includes physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

• Brachial palsy in newborns
• Brachial plexopathy
• Brachial plexus

Related Topics

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Brain and Nerves
• Injuries and Wounds

National Institutes of Health

• The primary NIH organization for research on Brachial Plexus Injuries is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke