Brachial plexus: A network of spinal nerves that originates in the back of the neck, extends through the axilla (armpit), and gives rise to nerves to the upper limb. The brachial plexus is formed by the union of portions of the fifth through eighth cervical nerves and the first thoracic nerve, all of which come from the spinal cord.
Injuries to the brachial plexus affect the nerves supplying the shoulder, upper arm, forearm and hand, causing numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, limited movement, or even paralysis of the upper limb. Although injuries can occur at any time, many brachial plexus injuries happen during birth. The baby's shoulders may become impacted during the birth process, causing the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear.
There are four types of brachial plexus injuries:
Treatment depends on the site and type of injury to the brachial plexus and may includes occupational and physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. Certain brachial plexus injuries heal on their own. Children may improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age.
The prognosis similarly depends on the site and type of brachial plexus injury determine the prognosis. For avulsion and rupture injuries there is no potential for recovery unless surgical reconnection is made in a timely manner. For neuroma and neurapraxia injuries the potential for recovery varies. Most patients with neurapraxia injuries recover spontaneously with a 90-100% return of function.
Library > Literature & Language > Dictionary n. A network of nerves located in the neck and axilla, composed of the anterior branches of the lower four cervical and ...
Brachial Plexus Injuries information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
(Erb’s Palsy) What is the brachial plexus? The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originate near the neck and shoulder. These nerves begin at the spinal cord in ...
Brachial plexus injuries Learn about treatment of brachial plexus injuries at Mayo Clinic.
Required Reading—336-341. I. INTRODUCTION. The brachial plexus is a somatic nerve plexus formed by intercommunications among the ventral rami of the lower four cervical ...