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Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Symptoms
The brachial plexus is an anatomical network composed of five spinal nerves. Four of these exit the spinal cord through the cervical spine, which is the area below the skull and above the shoulders, while one exits through the thoracic spine, which supports the upper torso. The nerves of the brachial plexus supply nerve impulses to the shoulder, arm, hand and diaphragm. Injury to the nerves, also called neuropathy, of the brachial plexus can affect any of the structures that this nerve group supplies.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Numbness
The National Institutes of Health states that brachial plexopathy, or brachial plexus dysfunction, can cause numbness to occur in the shoulder, arm or hand 1. This can be due to direct injury to the brachial nerves of these areas, stretching injuries, tumors causing pressure on the nerves or damage from radiation therapy.
In severe cases, complete loss of sensation can occur. This condition can result in complications such as recurrent injury to the affected area that goes unnoticed due to diminished pain detection.
- The National Institutes of Health states that brachial plexopathy, or brachial plexus dysfunction, can cause numbness to occur in the shoulder, arm or hand 1.
- This can be due to direct injury to the brachial nerves of these areas, stretching injuries, tumors causing pressure on the nerves or damage from radiation therapy.
Abnormal Sensation
Causes of Pain on the Right Side of the Neck Down to the Shoulder
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Abnormal sensations such as tingling or burning along the areas that are supplied by the nerves of the brachial plexus, primarily the arm and hand, could indicate neuropathy, according to the National Institutes of Health. Paresthesia is a medical term used to denote these sensations, which are sometimes commonly described as a "pins and needles" feeling.
Weakness
Inadequate nerve supply to the muscles of the arm and hand can result in muscle weakness. The University of Maryland Medical Center lists ways in which brachial plexus neuropathy can manifest as muscle weakness, such as the decreased ability to lift the wrist or extend it backward.
Weakness in the hands is also indicative of brachial plexus neuropathy, though MayoClinic.com notes that, in some cases, the individual may be able to use the fingers but not the arm muscles. In severe or prolonged cases, partial or complete arm paralysis may occur.
- Inadequate nerve supply to the muscles of the arm and hand can result in muscle weakness.
- The University of Maryland Medical Center lists ways in which brachial plexus neuropathy can manifest as muscle weakness, such as the decreased ability to lift the wrist or extend it backward.
Horner Syndrome
Cervical Nerve Damage Symptoms
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The University of Maryland Medical Center lists Horner syndrome among the possible symptoms that can manifest in cases of brachial plexus neuropathy. Horner syndrome is rare. It results from an interruption of the sympathetic nerve signals to the face, and can be caused by injury to the nerves of the brachial plexus. Horner syndrome manifests in symptoms such as constriction of the pupil of the eye, eyelid drooping and lack of sweat on the side of the face that is affected.
- The University of Maryland Medical Center lists Horner syndrome among the possible symptoms that can manifest in cases of brachial plexus neuropathy.
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References
- MedlinePlus: Brachial Plexopathy
- Polcaro L, Daly DT. Anatomy, head and neck, brachial plexus. [Updated 2019 Feb 6]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan.
- Johnson EO, Vekris M, Demesticha T, Soucacos PN. Neuroanatomy of the brachial plexus: normal and variant anatomy of its formation. Surg Radiol Anat. 2010 Mar;32(3):291-7. doi:10.1007/s00276-010-0646-0
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Burners and stingers. Updated June, 2017.
- Akangire G, Carter B. Birth injuries in neonates. Pediatr Rev. 2016 Nov;37(11):451-462. doi:10.1542/pir.2015-0125
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Brachial plexus injuries. Updates June, 2015.
- Griffith JF. Ultrasound of the brachial plexus. Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology. 2018. 22(3):323-333. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1645862
- Martin E, Senders JT, Di Risio AC, Smith TR, Broekman MLD. Timing of surgery in traumatic brachial plexus injury: a systematic review. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2018. 1:1-13. doi:10.3171/2018.1.JNS172068
- Gunes A, Bulut E, Uzumcugil A, Oguz KK. Brachial plexus ultrasound and MRI in children with brachial plexus birth injury. AJNR American Journal of Neuroradiology. 2018. 39(9):1745-1750. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A5749
- Hardcastle N, Texakalidis P, Nagarajan P, Tora MS, Boulis NM. Recovery of shoulder abduction in traumatic brachial plexus palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of nerve transfer versus nerve graft. Neurosurgery Reviews. 2019. doi:10.1007/s10143-019-01100-9
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For 15 years, Charis Grey's award-winning work has appeared in film, television, newspapers, magazines and on the Internet. She has worked as a story editor on the CBS drama "Flashpoint" and her work appears bimonthly in "The Driver Magazine." She has a Bachelor of Science in biology and a doctorate in chiropractic medicine from Palmer College.