How Could a Brachial Plexus Injury Affect You?

The brachial plexus is a nerve network that sends signals from a person's spine to their shoulder, arm, and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when the nerves undergo over-stretching or compression. In some cases, the nerves can tear, which can cause serious injuries. In mild cases, brachial plexus injuries usually heal on their own. However, those who are suffering from a severe brachial plexus injury may require surgery to correct the problem or to prevent further injury.

A number of different things can cause these injuries, such as:

• Direct blows to the body from an accident
• Playing direct contact sports, such as football
• Tumors
• Inflammation

What are the symptoms of a brachial plexus injury?

The signs and symptoms of a brachial plexus injury can vary based on the location as well as how serious the problem is. Most of the time, the injury will affect only one arm. Those who have relatively minor injuries will find that some of the most common symptoms are the feeling of an electric or burning sensation that shoots up along the arm. Others might feel weakness in that arm. Most of the time, these symptoms will only last for a couple of seconds. However, others will find that the symptoms can actually stay with them for several days.

Those who have a serious brachial plexus injury that involves torn nerves will find that the pain they feel is very severe. They may also find that their arm and hand is very weak. They might not be able to use certain muscles in the shoulder, arm, and hand either. Sometimes, the damage is so great that they can't move the limb at all on the side that is affected.

Getting Medical Help

Even for those who feel that they have a relatively minor injury, it is important to get in touch with a skilled neurological expert as soon as possible. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms or notice weakness in your shoulders and arms, or neck pain, it's a good idea to contact a physician so he or she can get to the bottom of the problem and help you find a good treatment option to get you back to normal.

Most of the time, brachial plexus injuries will heal without any lasting damage. However, sometimes the injuries can become serious enough to cause permanent damage, such as perpetually stiff joints, loss of feeling, and permanent disability. Always visit a doctor to reduce the possibility of permanent injury.

Who is at risk for a brachial plexus injury?

Many people can suffer from a brachial plexus injury, but one of the most common ways is through contact sports. When players collide, they can experience the sensation of a brachial plexus injury when these nerves stretch. Newborns can also be at risk during a difficult birth. Accidents and other types of trauma can cause brachial plexus injuries as well. Inflammation, tumors, and even radiation treatment can also manifest this type of injury. Evaluation by a skilled neurologist is the best bet for accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Contact a Sports Neurology Professional Today

At Vernon B. Williams, MD, Inc., I, Dr. Williams, have been sharing my knowledge within the legal community since 1997. As an experienced sport concussion expert witness and board certified neurologist, I have the training and resources to serve as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defense medical cases. Have questions about how I can help you with your matter?

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