BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURIES

BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURIES - The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or in the most serious cases, ripped apart or torn away from the spinal cord.More-severe symptoms result from injuries that seriously injure or even tear or rupture the nerves. The most serious brachial plexus injury occurs when the nerve root is torn from the spinal cord.

Signs and symptoms of more-severe injuries can include:- Weakness or inability to use certain muscles in your hand, arm or shoulder- Complete lack of movement and feeling in your arm, including your shoulder and hand- Severe Pain

Minor damage often occurs during contact sports, such as football or wrestling, when the brachial plexus nerves get stretched or compressed. These are called stingers or burners, and can produce the following symptoms:

• A feeling like an electric shock or a burning sensation shooting down your arm

• Numbness and weakness in your arm