Peripheral Neuropathy Plexus Brachialis Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy of the plexus brachialis is a medical condition that causes reduced sensation, limited movement and pain in the shoulder and arm. The nerves in the plexus brachialis, or brachial plexus, link the spinal cord to arm nerves.

Neuropathy Causes

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, peripheral neuropathy of the plexus brachialis or brachial plexopathy results from nerve damage. The brachial plexus can be damaged during childbirth and from injuries to the shoulder area.

Medications

• Doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids to relieve inflammation. Patients may use painkillers, anti-seizure drugs or tricyclic antidepressants to relieve pain.

Other Treatments

• Physicians may recommend splints or braces to protect an injured brachial plexus as it heals and physical therapy to improve movement. Severe and long-lasting cases of peripheral neuropathy of the plexus brachialis may require surgery to reduce nerve pressure.

Tests

• Doctors conduct a physical examination of arms, hands and arm reflexes to identify nerve damage from peripheral neuropathy (See Reference 1). Magnetic resonance imaging tests, nerve biopsies and nerve conduction tests may also be used to diagnose brachial plexopathy.

Complications

• Patients with brachial plexus damage may develop hand and arm deformities, arm paralysis or recurring injuries in the hand or arm due to reduced sensation.