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Signs & Symptoms of Brachial Plexus Damage

The bundle of nerves running from the spine in the neck region down through the neck into the arm is called the brachial plexus. These nerves send signals to the arm and hand. Damage to the nerves cause problems of movement and feeling. Certain signs or symptoms indicate damage to the nerves that requires medical attention and appropriate treatment.

  1. Stingers

    • The term "stinger" refers to a bodily sensation from minor brachial plexus damage. According to Mayo Clinic, the term "burner" is also used to designate damage, usually caused by a contact sport such as football. The damage involves stretching of the brachial plexus. A burning sensation shoots down the arm, feeling like an electric shock. The arm feels weak and numbness is experienced. The burning can last a few seconds or a few days, depending on the extent of the stretching of the nerves. The symptoms should disappear without treatment.

    Brachial Plexitis

    • Also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, brachial plexitis begins with the shoulder and arm. One sign of this condition is the lack of any physical trauma to the neck or shoulder. The pain continues, and weakness and numbness follow. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the cause of the brachial plexus damage is inflammation of the nerves. Its origin is unknown, but as reported in Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics, it might follow immunizations or viral infections.

    Shoulder Dystocia

    • Shoulder dystocia occurs during birth when the baby's brachial plexus nerves are stretched or torn during the force of delivery. According to Wheeless, it occurs in approximately 2 of every 1,000 births, with more than 80 percent of the children regaining near normal function. In some cases, damage is severe and there is no recovery. A sign of normal recovery would be biceps function before six months of age.

    Signs of Severe Damage

    • If you cannot move you arm, shoulder or hand, then you have suffered severe brachial damage that will probably require surgery. Severe pain will also be a symptom. Other signs include the ability to use the arm but not fingers, or ability to use fingers but not the arm. Clawing of the hand or any other deformed position indicates problems. These signs indicate tearing, rupture, or--in the worst case--that the nerves have been severed from the spinal cord. Surgery to repair the damage includes nerve grafts and transfers to restore feeling and function.

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