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Brachial Plexus Injuries
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachial plexus is a vital network of nerves connecting the spine to the upper extremities, and damage to this system can significantly impair muscle control and sensation.

Overview

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Damage to this network can result in several debilitating symptoms.

Symptoms

  • A limp or paralyzed arm
  • Lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist
  • Lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand

Causes

Brachial plexus injuries can occur due to various factors, including:

  • Shoulder trauma
  • Tumors
  • Inflammation
  • Childbirth complications, such as when a baby's shoulders become stuck during delivery, causing the nerves to stretch or tear

Treatment and Management

Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without intervention. Many children who sustain injuries during birth show improvement or full recovery by 3 to 4 months of age. For others, treatment includes physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

For adults, if there is no significant nerve recovery within three to six months, surgical consultation is typically recommended. For infants with birth-related injuries, doctors usually monitor for spontaneous recovery for the first three to four months. If the arm remains weak or paralyzed after this period, or if specific muscles like the hand intrinsics do not begin to function, surgery is often considered to prevent permanent muscle atrophy.
Yes, nerve damage can lead to chronic neuropathic pain, which may feel like burning, electric shocks, or deep aching. This pain can persist even after muscle strength improves. Management often involves a combination of medications specifically for nerve pain, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, along with physical therapy to improve circulation and reduce scar tissue formation around the nerves.
You should avoid heavy lifting, repetitive overhead motions, and any activity that causes sharp pain or tingling in the affected arm. It is crucial to follow the guidance of a physical therapist regarding range-of-motion exercises. Overstretching or forcing movement before the nerves have stabilized can worsen the injury or damage the surgical repair if surgery has already been performed.
The therapy targets the specific nerve roots involved. An upper trunk injury (C5-C6) primarily affects shoulder abduction and external rotation, so therapy focuses on strengthening the deltoid and rotator cuff. A lower trunk injury (C8-T1) affects hand grip and finger spread, requiring fine motor skill exercises and hand therapy. A complete plexus injury requires a comprehensive approach addressing both shoulder stability and hand function.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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