Possible symptoms of a brachial plexus injury include: a limp or paralyzed arm; lack of muscle control in the arm or hand. Other terms commonly used to describe brachial plexus injuries include: Erb's Palsy (upper trunk injury), Klumpke's Palsy (lower trunk injury), Brachial Plexus Palsy, Erb-Duchenne Palsy, Horner's Syndrome (when facial nerves are also affected), and "Burners" or "Stingers" (usually associated with sports-related brachial plexus injuries). Torticollis is another term sometimes used in conjunction with brachial plexus injuries.

What is the Brachial Plexus?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves. It conducts signals from the spine to the arm and hand. These signals cause the arm and hand muscles to move. (Brachial means arm, and plexus refers to a network of nerves.)

What causes brachial plexus injuries?
Stretching, tearing, or other trauma can cause injury to the nerves of the brachial plexus. Brachial plexus injuries most often occur during the birthing process (Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury) as a result of excessive traction or force being applied to the infant's head during delivery.

Approximately 2-3 or every 1000 newborns are affected by brachial plexus birth injuries. More children suffer from brachial plexus injuries sustained at birth than Down's Syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy - yet information on this disability is not so readily obtained. Other frequent causes of brachial plexus injuries include: automobile, motorcycle or boating accidents; sports injuries; animal bites; and gunshot or puncture wounds.

What treatment options are available for brachial plexus injuries?
It is essential that treatment for a brachial plexus injury be obtained as soon as possible from qualified, experienced medical professionals who specialize in treating brachial plexus injuries.

Early treatment for brachial plexus injuries most likely will include occupational and/or physical therapy to help maximize use of the affected arm while preventing contactures (tightening of the muscles and joints).

While each brachial plexus injury is unique, some individuals may benefit form surgery. Highly specialized and experienced surgeons utilize a variety of operative approaches in attempting to maximize an individual's function. Infants with brachial plexus birth injuries who show little or no improvement by the age of 4-6 month are often candidates for immediate surgery. Older children and adults may benefit from different surgical techniques as well.

It is important to note that even with ongoing therapy treatment and surgical intervention, complete recovery from a brachial plexus injury may not occur. Maximizing functional use of the injured arm in generally the overall goal of affected individuals, families and medical professionals.