Brachial plexus is a network of nerves that helps in conducting signals from the spine all the way to the shoulder, arm and the hand. When there is an injury to the brachial plexus, the nerves get injured and damaged. When there is a paralysis of the upper brachial plexus, it is called Erb-Duchenne palsy. When there is a paralysis of the lower brachial plexus, the condition is called Dejerine-Klumpke. Even though injuries can occur almost at any time, most brachial plexus injuries tend to happen when the shoulder of a baby becomes impacted at the time of delivery and the brachial nerves tear or stretch.
The prognosis of Erb Duchenne and Dejerine Klumpke palsies depends on the kind of injury that the patient has. For those injuries that are related to avulsion and rupture, there really is no potential for recovery unless the surgical reconnection is made on time. The prospect of recovery depends and varies for neuropraxia and neuroma injuries. A lot of people suffering from neuropraxia injuries tend to recover along with 90-100 percent return of the function.