The brachial plexus consists of nerves that conduct the signal from spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. The damage to these nerves leads to brachial plexus injuries. The paralysis of the upper brachial plexus is known as Erb-Duchenne palsy. The injuries can occur at any time but most of the brachial injuries occur when the shoulder of the baby are impacted during the delivery leading to the tearing of the brachial plexus.
Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries
There are four types of brachial plexus injuries:
Avulsion:
It is the most severe type of brachial plexus injuries in which the spine is torn from the spine.
Rupture:
In this type, the nerve is torn expect at the spinal attachment.
Neuroma:
The nerve is torn but has healed leaving scar tissue that puts pressure on the injured nerve preventing it from conducting the signal to the muscles.
Neuropraxia:
It is the most common type of brachial plexus injury.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Brachial plexus injury may include:
- Paralysed arm or limp
- lack of muscle control in the arm, hand and wrist
- lack of sensation in the arms or hand
Treatment
Some brachial plexus injuries may heal on their own and might not require any treatment. Many children who are injured during the delivery may improve by three to four months of age. The treatment includes physical therapy and surgery in some cases.
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