What is Brachial Plexus Injury?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves on both sides of the body that starts in the spinal cord and runs across the chest into the armpit. These nerves help transmit movement patterns and sensation into the arms and hands.
An injury to this area can decrease or stop nerve transmission all together to the arms and hands resulting in loss of strength, movement and sensation. The brachial plexus has five different anatomical sections that can be injured. The five sections are:
- Spinal nerve
- Trunks
- Divisions
- Cords
- Branches
Types of Injuries
- Avulsion. An avulsion brachial plexus injury is when the nerve root is pulled out of the spinal cord. This type of injury is the most severe.
- Neuropraxia. When the nerve is mildly stretched. This type of injury can heal and repair on its own through different non-surgical options.
- Rupture. A forceful stretch that tears the nerve partially or even fully. This type can sometimes be repaired through a surgical procedure.
How Does it Happen?
Most commonly a brachial plexus injury occurs when the arm is forcefully stretched or pulled away from the body while the neck is being stretched up and away from the shoulder.
Some of the other ways this injury occurs include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Difficult births
- Falls
- Bullet or stab wounds
- Contact sports
- Tumors or cancer treatment
Symptoms
- Stiffness or loss of motion
- Pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Strength loss
Shoulder Specialists in the Twin Cities
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a brachial plexus injury please contact us today to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapist. We have physical therapy clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina.
