Overview
The brachial plexus controls movement and feeling in the arm. Injuries range from mild stretching that recovers on its own to severe tears that need surgery.
Symptoms
- Weakness or inability to move the shoulder, arm or hand
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- Burning or electric pain down the arm
- A limp or paralysed arm in severe cases
Causes and risk factors
Common causes include road accidents, especially motorcycle accidents, falls, contact sports and difficult births in babies.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves examination, nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG) and MRI scans.
Treatment
Mild injuries are treated with physiotherapy and time. Severe injuries may need nerve repair, nerve grafts or nerve and tendon transfers, ideally within months of the injury.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly after an injury that causes arm weakness or numbness. Early assessment improves the chances of recovery.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
