Brachial Plexus Information

The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that begins at the spinal cord and directs and controls all the movement in a person's shoulder, arm and hand. It's a network that oversees sensations such as pain, tingling and temperature, as well as every movement those body parts make, from wiggling the tip of your pinkie to throwing a fastball, picking up a glass of water or wiping the sweat off your brow. Injury to the brachial plexus may cause a multitude of symptoms and affect mobility.

What It Does

• The brachial plexus bundle of nerves is in charge of the movement of almost every part of the upper arm. This network of nerves is divided into roots, trunk, divisions, cords and branches. These nerves are responsible for things from the movement of muscles like the deltoid to sensory function in the fingers. Nerves conduct signals from the spine to the arm, hand and fingers.

Common Injuries

• Injuries to the any of the nerves in the brachial plexus may affect mobility. Some of the most common injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and trauma resulting from falls. However, injury or damage to the brachial plexus may also be caused by damage to the immune system that leads to abnormal immune response, as well as genetic factors and even damage caused during childbirth. If not treated, damage to nerves in this network may cause partial paralysis in one or both arms.

Diagnostics

• A physical exam, followed by imaging techniques such as X-rays and CT scans, may be used to determine the presence or severity of damage or injury to the brachial plexus. Other diagnostics may include electromyography, which uses the placement of needle electrodes to measure muscle activity. Nerve conduction studies may also be performed to measure the speed at which various impulses travel through various nerves within the brachial plexus.

Treatments

• Treatment for any type of brachial nexus damage will be determined by its location and the type of damage, as well as severity of damage. Mild damage caused by falls or moderate damage caused by injury often resolve on their own, but some individuals may need surgery to repair severely torn or injured nerves. Treatments may include but are not limited to nerve grafts and transfers. Other treatments include therapy, both occupational or physical, to facilitate mobility.

Research

• The Mayo Clinic has performed extensive research into surgical treatments for the repair of injured brachial plexus injuries, including microsurgical techniques, as well as methods designed to improve movement and mobility.