Brachial Plexus Injury

Diagnosis of Brachial Plexus Injury

Diagnosis is based on a physical exam, symptom review, and specialized tests.

• Physical exam: Your healthcare professional checks your symptoms and limb function.

• X-ray: Shows fractures or other shoulder and neck injuries.

• Electromyography (EMG): Measures muscle electrical activity when muscles tighten or rest. Slight discomfort may occur from needle electrodes.

• Nerve conduction studies: Often done with EMG to measure how well electrical signals travel through nerves.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): High-resolution MRI can show nerve damage and artery involvement. Techniques like magnetic resonance neurography or diffusion tensor imaging may be used.

• CT myelography: Uses X-rays and contrast dye during a spinal tap to assess the spinal cord and nerve roots, especially when MRI results are insufficient.

Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injury

Treatment depends on injury severity, type, duration since injury, and other health factors.

• Minor nerve stretches: May heal naturally without surgery.

• Physical therapy: Keeps joints and muscles functional, maintains range of motion, and prevents stiffness.

• Surgery: Recommended for serious nerve injuries. Early surgery (within 2–6 months) often improves outcomes.

Recovery considerations:

• Nerve tissue grows slowly, so final results may take years.

• Exercises and splints help maintain flexibility and prevent hand curling.

Types of Surgery

• Neurolysis: Frees nerves from scar tissue.

• Nerve repair: Directly repairs nerves injured by sharp objects or minor stretches.

• Nerve graft: Uses a nerve from another body part to bridge damaged areas, allowing new nerve growth.

• Nerve transfer: Connects a less important functioning nerve to a non-functioning critical nerve to restore function.

• Muscle transfer: Transfers a less important muscle or tendon from another part of the body, reconnecting nerves and blood vessels to restore movement.

Pain Control

• Pain from severe brachial plexus injuries can be debilitating, burning, or crushing.

• Pain often improves within three years.

• If medications are ineffective, surgery may interrupt pain signals from the spinal cord.

Preparing for Your Appointment

• List symptoms and their progression.

• Note any past injuries or treatments.

• Bring a list of current medications, supplements, and dosages.

• Prepare questions for your healthcare professional about diagnosis, treatment options, and expected recovery.