Learn About Brachial Plexopathy

What is the definition of Brachial Plexopathy?

Brachial plexopathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the brachial plexus. This is a group of nerves that run from the lower neck through the upper shoulder area. These nerves provide the shoulder, arm, and hand with movement and sensation through the radial, median, and ulnar nerves.

Damage to the nerves of the brachial plexus results in pain, decreased movement, or decreased feeling in the arm and shoulder.

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What are the alternative names for Brachial Plexopathy?

Neuropathy - brachial plexus; Brachial plexus dysfunction; Parsonage-Turner syndrome; Pancoast syndrome

What are the causes of Brachial Plexopathy?

Damage to the brachial plexus may occur due to:

  • Direct injury to the nerve
  • Stretching injuries (including birth trauma)
  • Pressure from tumors in the area (especially from lung tumors)
  • Damage from radiation therapy

Brachial plexus dysfunction may also be associated with:

  • Birth defects that put pressure on the neck area
  • Exposure to toxins, chemicals, or drugs
  • General anesthesia, used during surgery
  • Inflammatory conditions, such as those due to a virus or immune system problem

In some cases, no cause can be identified.

What are the symptoms of Brachial Plexopathy?

Symptoms may include:

  • Numbness of the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Shoulder pain
  • Tingling, burning, pain, or abnormal sensations (location depends on the area injured)
  • Weakness of the shoulder, arm, hand, or wrist
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What are the current treatments for Brachial Plexopathy?

Treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying cause and allowing you to use your hand and arm as much as possible. In some cases, no treatment is needed and the problem gets better on its own.

Treatment options include any of the following:

  • Medicines to control pain
  • Physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength.
  • Braces, splints, or other devices to help you use your arm
  • Nerve block, in which medicine is injected into the area near the nerves to reduce pain
  • Surgery to repair the nerves or remove something pressing on the nerves

You may need occupational therapy or counseling to suggest changes in the workplace.

Medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can damage nerves. In these cases, treatment is also directed at the underlying medical condition.

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What is the outlook (prognosis) for Brachial Plexopathy?

A good recovery is possible if the cause is found and properly treated. In some cases, there is partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be severe and may last for a long time.

What are the possible complications of Brachial Plexopathy?

Complications may include:

  • Deformity of the hand or arm, mild to severe, which can lead to contractures
  • Partial or complete arm paralysis
  • Partial or complete loss of sensation in the arm, hand, or fingers
  • Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand or arm due to diminished sensation
When should I contact a medical professional for Brachial Plexopathy?

Contact your health care provider if you experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
Brachial plexus
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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 02, 2022
Published By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, FAAN, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Chad DA, Bowley MP. Disorders of nerve roots and plexuses. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 105.

Waldman SD. Cervicothoracic interspinous bursitis. In: Waldman SD, ed. Atlas of Uncommon Pain Syndromes. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 23.