Brachial plexus injuries are caused by excessive stretching, tearing, or trauma to a network of nerves from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Symptoms may include paralyzed arm, loss of muscle control in the shoulder, arm, hand, or wrist, and lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand.

Injuries often occur secondary to motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries or surgeries. Traumatic BPI causes either complete or incomplete damage to the brachial plexus resulting in loss of function and sensation related to level of damage. The recovery from the injury will depend on the severity, level and type of nerve damage. Pain is a very important side effect of the injury and can sometime be very severe and debilitating.

Many brachial plexus injuries happen during birth, if the baby§Ó??s shoulders become impacted during the birth process, causing the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear. Some brachial plexus injuries may heal with little or no treatment. Many children improve or recover by 3-4 months of age. To expand range of motion and speed rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapies are usually employed.

Treatment is aimed at improving function by repair of nerve, tendon or muscle transfer and pain can be treated successfully by medication or microsurgery on the spinal cord.