The brachial plexus is a network of intertwined nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand. The primary function of these nerves is to control movement and sensation in the arm and hand. A traumatic brachial plexus injury results in weakness, loss of feeling or movement in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
While mild brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment, more severe injuries may require medical intervention to regain the function of the arm or hand.
Avulsion: This is the most severe brachial plexus injury and is medically referred to as an “avulsion” injury.Stretch (Neuropraxia): During this injury the nerve is mildly stretched, therefore, it may heal on its own or require simple, nonsurgical treatment methods to return to normal function.
Rupture: This is a more forceful stretch of the nerve and may cause the nerve to tear partially or fully.
Osteoarthritis: In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away causing symptoms such as redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness and pain in the knee.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition can affect the joints on both sides of the body, such as both the knees. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling that can interfere with an individual’s mobility.
Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of any of the fluid-filled sacs protecting the body’s joints such as knees. It is either caused by repetitive motion or a sudden injury.
Tendonitis: Tendonitis is a common sports injury, caused by repetitive and strenuous movement of the same parts of the body.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS): Knee pain or discomfort while walking up and down stairs, jumping or squatting are some of the symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Also called “runner’s knee,” patellofemoral pain syndrome may sometimes be caused by a kneecap that is not aligned properly, overuse, injury, excess weight or when the cartilage in the kneecap is worn significantly.
Injuries: Knee injuries, such as ACL injuries can be the result of sports, falls or trauma. They typically involve the ligaments that hold two of the bones of the knee together – the femur and tibia.
As mentioned, the most severe brachial plexus injuries occur when the arm is forcefully stretched. Other than that, many other events such as sports contact, falls, motor vehicle accidents, knife and gunshot wounds, etc., can also cause injury.
During the diagnosis, your doctor will perform a comprehensive examination to diagnose the brachial plexus injury and determine if any associated injuries also exist. Also, he/she will assess your arm and shoulder for stability and range of motion and examine all nerve groups controlled by the brachial plexus to identify the specific location of the nerve injury and its severity.Other tests that help in the diagnosis of brachial plexus injuries include
Physiotherapy: Based on your condition you may be recommended physical therapy to keep the joints and muscles working properly, maintain range of motion, and prevent stiff joints. Physiotherapy treatment plays a large role in improving brachial plexus injury.
PRP therapy: The therapy proves effective in treatment of brachial plexus injury by reducing pain and restoring proper function. PRP is a concentrated platelet-derived from autologous blood with the potential to release various growth factors (GF) to promote nerve regeneration.
Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy promotes brachial plexus regeneration and shows promising results in the majority of cases. Stem cell therapy can potentially repair muscle strength.
At Genesis Pain Clinic, Hyderabad our highly experienced team is skilled in the management of a variety of complex conditions, including the brachial plexus injury.