In babies, the brachial plexus nerves in the shoulder are vulnerable during birth. Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries Brachial Plexus Injury at Birth (Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury)
Because it is difficult and usually impossible to reattach the root to the spinal cord, avulsions can lead to permanent weakness, paralysis and loss of feeling. More severe than ruptures, avulsions often cause severe pain. This injury is usually caused by trauma, such as a car or motorcycle accident. Brachial Plexus AvulsionĪ brachial plexus avulsion occurs when the root of the nerve is completely separated from the spinal cord. The cause of brachial neuritis is unknown, but could be related to an autoimmune response triggered by infections, injury, childbirth or other factors. This syndrome usually affects the shoulder and arm, but it can also affect the legs and diaphragm. Brachial NeuritisĪlso called Parsonage Turner syndrome, brachial neuritis is a rare, progressive disorder of the nerves of the brachial plexus. This syndrome causes sudden, severe shoulder and upper arm pain and progresses from pain to weakness, muscle loss and even loss of sensation. The surgeon then either caps the nerve or attaches it to another nerve to prevent another neuroma from forming. Treatment for brachial plexus neuromas includes surgical removal of the scarred nerve tissue. This scar tissue is called a neuroma, and it may result in a painful knot on one of the brachial plexus nerves. Sometimes when nerve tissue is injured, such as from a cut during surgery, scar tissue can form as the nerve attempts to repair itself.
These injuries can also be associated with severe pain.ĭepending on the severity and location of the rupture, these injuries can often be repaired with surgery. Ruptures can cause weakness in the shoulder, arm or hand and can even make certain muscles unusable. This is a more serious injury than neuropraxia. In a brachial plexus rupture, a forceful stretch causes the nerve to tear, either partially or completely. They can also feel like an electric shock. These types of injuries are often referred to as brachial plexus “burners” or “stingers,” depending on whether the main symptom is a burning or stinging sensation. This injury is less common than compression neuropraxia, but is more common among adolescents and young adults. Traction neuropraxia occurs when the nerve is pulled, usually downward. Compression neuropraxia is the most common form and generally occurs in older people. In a compression injury, the brachial plexus nerve root is compressed, usually by the rotation of the head. There are two main ways this injury occurs: compression and traction. When the nerves are stretched to the point of injury, it is referred to as neuropraxia. Types of Brachial Plexus Injuriesīrachial plexus injuries are categorized according to how the nerves are damaged and the severity of the injury. In some people, function and feeling returns to normal, while others may have lifelong disabilities because they can’t use or feel a part of their arm. The severity of a brachial plexus injury varies, depending on the part of the nerve that is injured and the extent of the injury. Often, brachial plexus injuries also result in total loss of sensation in the area. This may mean that you can’t use your arm or hand. Sometimes, brachial plexus injuries happen to babies during birth.īrachial plexus injuries cut off all or parts of the communication between the spinal cord and the arm, wrist and hand. The nerves may also be cut or damaged by cancer or radiation treatment. The brachial plexus can be injured in many different ways - from pressure, stress or being stretched too far.