Brachial plexopathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the brachial plexus. This is an area on each side of the neck where nerve roots from the spinal cord split into each arm's nerves.
Damage to these nerves results in pain, decreased movement, or decreased sensation in the arm and shoulder.
Neuropathy - brachial plexus; Brachial plexus dysfunction; Parsonage-Turner syndrome; Pancoast syndrome
Damage to the brachial plexus is usually from direct injury to the nerve, stretching injuries (including birth trauma), pressure from tumors in the area (especially from lung tumors), or damage that results from radiation therapy.
Brachial plexus dysfunction may also be associated with:
In some cases, no cause can be identified.
Symptoms may include:
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:
Occupational therapy or counseling to suggest changes in the workplace may be needed.
Medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can damage nerves. In these cases, treatment is also directed at the underlying medical condition.
Jayme Bertelli is in Tubarao, Brazil. Bertelli is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Brachial Plexopathy. She is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Brachial Plexopathy, Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction, Erb's Palsy, and Mononeuritis Multiplex.
Nens Van Alfen is in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Van Alfen is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Brachial Plexopathy. They are also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Hereditary Neuralgic Amyotrophy, Brachial Plexopathy, Cramp-Fasciculation Syndrome, and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.
Willem Pondaag is in Leiden, Netherlands. Pondaag is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Brachial Plexopathy. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Brachial Plexopathy, Erb's Palsy, Femoral Nerve Dysfunction, and Mononeuritis Multiplex.
A good recovery is possible if the cause is identified 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.
Complications may include:
Call your health care provider if you experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Published Date : June 23, 2020
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 Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Chad DA, Bowley MP. Disorders of nerve roots and plexuses. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 106.
Waldman SD. Cervicothoracic interspinous bursitis. In: Waldman SD, ed. Atlas of Uncommon Pain Syndromes. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 23.