Are brachial plexus injuries permanent?

Brachial plexus injuries can cause permanent weakness or disability. Even if yours seems minor, you may need medical care. See your doctor if you have: Recurrent burners and stingers.

Is there a cure for brachial plexus?

Mild brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. More severe injuries may require surgery to regain function of the arm or hand.

How long does it take to recover from a brachial plexus injury?

Nerves grow back slowly. While you may be able to start passively moving your arm or hand again after a few weeks, it may take three to six months before you notice a flicker of active motion. Some nerves take years to heal.

Can physical therapy cure brachial plexus injury?

Physical therapy has a role in helping people with milder brachial plexus injuries, as well as the rehabilitation phase that is vital in helping clients recover from a surgically repaired nerve in the brachial plexus.

What doctor treats brachial plexus injury?

People with brachial plexus injuries usually see three surgeons during one office visit at Mayo Clinic. At Mayo Clinic, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, hand and microvascular surgeons, physical rehabilitation experts, and other specialists collaborate as a team to evaluate and treat each patient.

How do you sleep with a brachial plexus injury?

When sleeping on your side, place a pillow in front of you to support the whole arm, limit elbow flexion, and keep the wrist and fingers flat, in a neutral position. Consider sleeping on your back with your arms at your sides or on pillows to keep your elbows and wrists in an ideal position.

What does a brachial plexus MRI show?

MR images show diffuse thickening and enhancement of the proximal nerve roots secondary to an acute inflammatory demyelinating process of the brachial plexus or the cauda equina.

How do you assess a brachial plexus injury?

To help diagnose the extent and severity of a brachial plexus injury, you may have one or more of the following tests:

1. X-ray.
2. Electromyography (EMG).
3. Nerve conduction studies.
4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
5. Computerized tomography (CT) myelography.

How do I stop my arms from going numb when I sleep?

Try a new sleeping position, particularly on your side. Avoid laying on your arms under your pillow, which can compress nerves. Make sure your wrists remain unflexed, since flexing can lead to tingling. If you often sleep on your back with your arms overhead, try keeping them next to you to reduce nerve pinching.

Does brachial plexus injury show up on MRI?

Different imaging modalities can be used to study the brachial plexus, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) 1, however MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the evaluation of the brachial plexus due to its superior soft tissue resolution and multiplanar …

What to do if you have a brachial plexus injury?

For severe brachial plexus injuries, prompt surgical treatment could be needed to attempt to regain function. Without it, you might have a permanent disability and be unable to use your arm or hand.

How does the brachial plexus affect your body?

Disorders of the brachial plexus lead to loss of function of the fingers and thumb, wrist, arm or shoulder. This dysfunction can be due to weakness, sensory changes, or pain of the affected limb.

What causes numbness and pain in the brachial plexus?

There is a rare syndrome called Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, or brachial plexitis, which causes inflammation of the brachial plexus without any obvious shoulder injury. This syndrome can begin with severe shoulder or arm pain followed by weakness and numbness.

What can I do at home for brachial pain?

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) unit can lead to pain relief. Topical medications or creams. Adherence to a medication plan developed in partnership with your healthcare provider can result in improved pain relief.