Brachial Plexus Injury

Description of brachial plexus injury

Brachial Plexus Injury – beam damage nerves in the neck, which extend from the back of the neck in the arm. The nerves come out of the spine and form a band called the brachial plexus. The nerves from the plexus diverge on the shoulder and then to all hand muscles.

Causes of injuries of the brachial plexus

Brachial plexus injury can be caused by damage, the reasons which may be:

• Overstrain – shoulder moves down, and head in the opposite direction;
• Zazhimanie – may, if the head is quickly moved to the side;
• Injury – there, when the area above the collarbone pressure acts, which compresses the nerves of the brachial plexus.

Risk factors for brachial plexus injury

Factors, that increase the risk of injury:

• The game of football, rugby – the probability of obtaining direct blows to the head, neck and shoulders;
• Contact sports.

Symptoms of brachial plexus injury

Symptoms may include:

• Numbness, tingling sensation or weakness in the shoulder or arm;
• Burning or tingling in one arm;
• Burning or tingling feeling between the neck and shoulder.

Diagnosis of brachial plexus injury

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how, how the accident occurred. One of the most important points – whether symptoms occur in one hand or in both hands at the same time. Symptoms in two limbs can be caused by more severe nerve damage, what, perhaps, It requires a broader diagnosis.

The doctor will look at survey and survey:

• Pain or soreness;
• Range of motion of the neck and hands;
• Force arm and hand;
• Reflexes hands;
• The sensitivity of the shoulder and arm.

Serious injuries can be assigned electromyogram (DOH) – Test of the electrical activity of muscles. This can help to determine the degree of injury.

Important, To make sure, that the symptoms associated with brachial plexus injury do not apply to the spinal cord. Early diagnosis of this disease can be prevented by re-injury and possible paralysis. Careful examination after injury helps prevent permanent nerve damage.

Treatment of brachial plexus injury

Symptoms of some injuries last only a few minutes and does not require treatment.

Symptoms of other nerve injuries may last longer, that can cause weakness in the muscles. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy exercises. The therapist will help strengthen the muscles, It is the nerve heals.

The decision to return to the sport after an injury of brachial plexus requires careful evaluation of. Important, that the nerves were completely restored. There is also a small chance of re-injury. Some sports doctors recommend to go MRT or EMG study. Numerous shoulder injury during one playing season may be the reason for the termination of sports. In this case, the player has to consult with an experienced sports medicine physician for risk assessment.

Prevention of injuries of the brachial plexus

Steps, which can help prevent brachial plexus injury:

• Protect the neck muscles and shoulders will help sustain strong direct hit;
• The importance of training is a safe sport technology;
• Check, that you use the appropriate protective gear for your sport.