Brachial plexus injury (shoulder nerve injury)
About Brachial plexus injury (shoulder nerve injury)
The brachial plexus is a group of spinal nerves that run from the lower neck through the upper shoulder to the arm. Injury occurs when these nerves are stretched or torn during a traumatic injury. Sports, falls, and car accidents are the most common causes in adults. Infants can experience damage during childbirth. Injury causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm and shoulder. Many patients with this disorder will heal without specific treatment.Symptoms
Neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, numbness, weakness, burning sensation, pain that shoots into the arm from the neck or shoulder, pain that increases with movement or at night.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI can identify the injury. Nerve studies may be done to delineate nerve damage.Common tests: CT Scan, MRI.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the extent of the disease. Pain medications include: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn or Aleve); narcotics; and anti-convulsants. At times surgery is required to repair the damaged nerves and should be done before the muscles atrophy, generally within 3 months of the injury.Medical specialties
Pediatric Sports Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Brachial plexus injury (shoulder nerve injury).