What treatments are available for brachial plexus injuries?
The brachial plexus (a network of blood vessels and nerves) is a group of nerves that send signals from the spinal cord to the arms, shoulders, and hands.
A brachial plexus injury means that these nerves have been pinched, compressed, or torn.
Mild brachial plexus injuries are common in contact sports, such as football. Sometimes a newborn baby receives this type of injury at birth. In some clinical cases, the cause is an inflammatory process or tumor. The most serious injury occurs in a car accident. In severe clinical cases, the injury can cause paralysis of the shoulder.
Mild injuries include the following symptoms:
- An electric shock-like or burning sensation;
- Weakness and numbness in the shoulder.
Signs of a serious injury include:
- Difficulty using the muscles of the arm, shoulder, or hand;
- Loss of feeling in the shoulder;
- Severe, intense pain.
Keep in mind that a brachial plexus injury can cause long-term weakness or disability. Even if the symptoms seem minor, it is important to have your condition evaluated by a professional.
See a doctor if you notice:
- Symptoms disappear and then return, or the discomfort does not go away quickly;
- Weakness in the arm or shoulder;
- Neck pain;
- Any unusual symptoms in either shoulder.
Treatment is individual and depends on the severity of the injury, the type of injury, the patient's general health, and the severity of the symptoms.
A pinched nerve will heal on its own.
Physical therapy may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles and joints and prevent further strain.
In cases of serious nerve damage, surgery is the best treatment.
Nerve tissue grows slowly and it may take many years for the patient to achieve the final, desired result after surgery. During the rehabilitation process, it would be good to doappropriate exercises, with the permission and recommendation of the attending physician, to improve the mobility of the joint.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brachial-plexus-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350235
