Brachial Plexus Made Easy

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves extending from the spinal column to the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist and fingers, and is responsible for sensation and muscle movement in these areas. Nerves of the brachial plexus are split into three main branches, known as the upper, middle and lower trunks. Injuries to each of these trunks manifest their own array of symptoms.

Injuries and Symptoms

• Injuries to the brachial plexus can happen in numerous ways, including sports injuries, falls, motorcycle and car accidents, and childbirth complications. Problems can also arise from irradiation and tumors. Symptoms of these injuries usually appear quickly, and range from burning and numbness to paralysis.

Minor and Severe Problems

• Temporary injuries to the brachial plexus frequently result from contact sports. If you have ever felt the burning sensation of a "stinger" while playing football, you know what minor brachial plexus damage feels like. Wrestlers are also prone to these minor afflictions, which are caused by brief shocks to the plexus. Effects can last for a few minutes up to a few days.
  More serious injury to the brachial plexus can be caused by accidents of all kinds, and results in partial or complete nerve tearing. Symptoms can include severe pain, inability to move your arm or fingers, or combined paralysis and complete lack of sensation. These symptoms should never be ignored, and if you experience them, you should see a doctor immediately. Even stingers, when they happen repeatedly, can cause permanent damage. If you've experienced more than a few of them, you should seek an examination. Any sensations of neck pain, lingering hand or arm weakness, or symptoms appearing in both arms are also cause for immediate concern.

Problems in Childbirth

• Brachial plexus damage in childbirth is relatively rare, but there are some things parents should probably look out for. Erb's palsy, which affects roughly two of every 1,000 newborns, is caused by stretching of the upper brachial trunk during childbirth. It usually originates from prolonged or difficult delivery, breech birth, delivery of an especially large baby, or situations requiring a baby to be abruptly pulled from the birth canal. The extent of injury can range from temporary "shocking" of the nerves to less common ruptures or complete tears.
  The classic symptom of Erb's palsy is the inability to move the affected arm, which might extend to the fingers. Most infants recover on their own, although the process is slow and can take up to two years. If your child has Erb's palsy, she will need physical therapy to keep up arm strength. Your doctor can provide you with instructions for proper exercises. In cases of rupture or tearing, or where therapy does not provide improvement, surgery may be needed.
  Klumpke's palsy, also rare, is a more serious childbirth injury, and results from torn nerves in the lower brachial trunk. Paralysis in the hand and forearm are the hallmarks of this palsy. There is some dispute about the causes of Klumpke's palsy. While some medical professionals generally think it stems from a complicated childbirth, some often consider it to be a result of improper delivery procedures.