ð§ What is the Brachial Plexus?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that starts in the neck and travels through the shoulder to control the muscles and sensation in the:
ðĶī Shoulder
ðŠ Arm
â Hand
It’s like the “nerve highway” of your upper limb!
ðĨ What is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
This injury occurs when those nerves are stretched, compressed, or torn, affecting how your arm moves and feels.
ð Types of Injuries
From mild to severe:
Neuropraxia (ðĒ Mild) â nerves stretched, but not torn
Axonotmesis (ðĄ Moderate) â nerves damaged but outer covering intact
Neurotmesis (ðī Severe) â complete tear of the nerve
Avulsion â nerve root pulled out from the spinal cord (very serious)
Rupture â nerve torn but not at the spinal cord
â ïļ Causes
ðĪ Trauma (car/motorcycle accidents, falls)
ð Sports injuries (e.g. “stinger” or “burner” in football)
ðķ Birth injuries (shoulder dystocia during delivery)
ðŠ Surgical complications or tumors pressing on the nerve
â Symptoms
ð§ Numbness or loss of feeling in the arm/hand
ðŠ Weakness or paralysis in the shoulder, arm, or hand
ðĨ Burning, tingling, or electric shock-like pain
ð§ Muscle atrophy (in longer-term cases)
Symptoms can affect just the shoulder, or the whole arm, depending on the location and severity.
ðĐš Diagnosis
ðĻââïļ Clinical exam and history
⥠Nerve tests (EMG/NCS)
ð§ē MRI or CT myelogram to view nerve damage
ð ïļ Treatment
For Mild Injuries (Neuropraxia):
ð Rest and observation
ð Pain management
ð§ââïļ Physical therapy
For Severe Injuries (Rupture or Avulsion):
ð§ Nerve graft or transfer surgery
ðĶū Tendon or muscle transfer (in advanced cases)
ð§ Long-term rehab and strength training
âąïļ Recovery
âģ Recovery can take weeks to months
ð Some mild injuries heal on their own
ðĄ Early diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes significantly
ðĄïļ Prevention Tips
ðïļ Use proper safety gear (helmets, pads)
ðïļ Strengthen neck and shoulder muscles
ð§ Maintain good posture
ðž Monitor high-risk deliveries carefully