A network of nerves which runs from the spinal cord into the shoulder area controls the muscles and sensations in the arm, shoulder and hands is known as the brachial plexus. There are two cases which are known to cause issues with the brachial plexus, the first is a birth deformity known as Erb’s Palsy while the second is a result of a traumatic injury. In both cases, when the brachial plexus is injured, one can loose some or most of the control and sensation in the arm affected. Luckily for anyone having to suffer from a brachial plexus injury or deformity can seek medical attention to have the damaged section of nerves replaced.

To repair the brachial plexus requires the use of an advanced technique of microsurgery which can include not only nerve transfers, but also in some cases muscle transfers. While the procedure may not be able to fully restore the functionality of the arm, it does restore some of the affected arm’s motor skills.

Usually the symptoms of a brachial plexus injury is noticeable almost instantaneous, but in some cases when the arm requires other immediate medical attention these symptoms can often be over looked. It is suggested though that any possible damage symptoms associated with the brachial plexus needs to be diagnosed within 3 months of the injury to achieve the best results from the microsurgical procedure.

In general the treatment options for a brachial plexus injury are determined by the severity of the injury to the nerves. In cases where the damage is only mild, in both adults and children these will usually repair themselves but in some moderate cases and all severe cases, a nerve graft or transfer will need to be performed.

Occurring in about one out of every two thousand births, a brachial plexus injury known as Erb’s Palsy as a result of trauma caused during the birthing process. While in most cases the severity is only limited to the functionality of the elbow, in some more severe cases it can affect the entire arm.

The severity in any brachial plexus injury is based on the type of injury. The mildest form is known as a stretch in which the nerve has attempted to heal itself but the scar tissue that formed around the nerve limits its functionality. In the cases of a moderate brachial plexus injury known as a rupture, the nerve is torn, but luckily it is not torn at the spinal cord. The server form of brachial plexus is when the nerve is torn free of the spinal cord itself.