Imagine a major electrical junction box. This box sends power lines to your entire arm. That is essentially your brachial plexus. It is a network of nerves. These nerves originate in your neck. They travel through your shoulder. They carry signals for movement. They carry signals for sensation. They go to your entire arm. A severe jolt or tear to this area causes a Brachial plexus injury. This injury can be quite devastating. It affects your arm’s function dramatically. Finding quick, specialized care is crucial. You need a top Neurology hospital in Delhi.
A Brachial plexus injury can range from a mild stretch. It can be a complete avulsion. Avulsion means the nerve is torn from the spinal cord. The effects include numbness. They include weakness and even total paralysis of the arm. In this article we will look at the anatomy, the causes of injury, explain the varying levels of damage and discuss modern treatment paths
Anatomy of the Brachial Plexus
From Roots to Branches
- Origin: The plexus starts. It starts from the lower four cervical nerves. It starts from the first thoracic nerve. These nerves are C5 through T1.
- Structure: The nerves combine, divide and then recombine. They form trunks, divisions, cords and finally form the major nerves. These nerves include the median nerve, ulnar nerve and the radial nerve
- Function: These final nerves control all arm movement. They control all hand sensation. Damage at the roots is very severe.
This complex structure requires a Best neurology specialist in Delhi for proper diagnosis.
Why a Brachial Plexus Injury Occurs
Brachial plexus injury usually results from high-energy trauma. The arm is pulled or stretched hard.
High-Impact Trauma
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: This is the most common cause in adults. A person falls hard. The shoulder is violently pulled away. It pulls the head. This stretches the nerves severely
- Contact Sports Injuries: Injuries in football. Injuries in wrestling. A hard blow to the shoulder stretches the neck. This damages the plexus
- Penetrating Injuries: Gunshot wounds. Knife wounds. These can cut the nerves directly
Brachial Plexus Injury in Newborn
The injury can also occur at birth. This happens during difficult delivery.
- Delivery Trauma: The baby’s head is pulled sideways. This happens during shoulder dystocia. This stretches the neck and shoulder.
- Forms: This leads to conditions like Erb’s palsy. It leads to Klumpke’s palsy. This is a common Brachial plexus injury newborn issue. The outcome often depends on the severity
Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries
The severity of the damage determines the Brachial plexus injury treatment. Damage is classified based on what happens to the nerve.
Levels of Nerve Injury
- Stretch (Neuropraxia): This is the mildest form. The nerve is only temporarily blocked. It recovers spontaneously. This takes hours or weeks.
- Rupture: The nerve is torn completely. It is torn in two pieces. This happens away from the spinal cord. This will not heal naturally. It requires surgery.
- Avulsion: This is the most severe injury. The nerve root is torn completely. It is torn from the spinal cord. This is the hardest to repair.
Brachial Plexus Injury Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires careful assessment. It needs specialized testing. This work is done at a dedicated Neurosurgery hospital in Delhi.
Testing and Imaging
- Physical Exam: The doctor tests muscle strength. They test sensation. This maps the extent of the damage.
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): This test measures how fast the electrical signals travel. Slow signals mean nerve damage.
- Electromyography (EMG): This measures electrical activity in the muscles. It shows if the muscle is receiving signals.
- MRI/CT Myelography: This imaging technique is used. It visualizes the nerve roots. It checks for avulsion. This is necessary for severe Brachial plexus injury.
Brachial Plexus Injury Treatment in Delhi
The chosen Brachial plexus injury treatment depends on the injury type. Mild injuries may only need time. Severe injuries need surgery.
- Observation: Mild stretches often heal on their own. The doctor observes the arm’s function.
- Physical Therapy: This is critical for all injuries. It maintains joint flexibility. It prevents muscle shortening.
Brachial Plexus Injury Surgery in Delhi
Surgery is usually necessary for ruptures and avulsions.
- Nerve Grafting: For a clean rupture. A healthy nerve segment is taken. It bridges the gap and allows new growth
- Nerve Transfer: This is done for severe damage. A less important, working nerve is rerouted. It powers a critical muscle. This is a complex surgery.
- Tendon Transfers: This is done later. It improves arm function. It uses a working muscle to power a paralyzed joint.
A Best neurology specialist in Delhi coordinates this complex treatment.
Brachial Plexus Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from a Brachial plexus injury is a very long process. Nerves grow very slowly. They grow only about one inch per month.
- Intensive Therapy: Patients need consistent physical therapy. They need occupational therapy. This promotes nerve regeneration. It maximizes functional use.
- Monitoring: The Neurology hospital in Delhi closely monitors the recovery. They repeat the NCS/EMG tests. This tracks the nerve regrowth.
- Psychological Support: The long recovery time is hard. Emotional support is necessary for the patient.
FAQs
Yes, many mild cases. They often recover significantly. This happens within the first year of life. Severe cases need timely Brachial plexus injury treatment.
Nerve growth is very slow. It happens about one inch per month. Recovery for an arm injury can take many months. It can take up to two years.
A neurology hospital focuses on brain and nerve function. It uses non-surgical treatment. A neurosurgery hospital performs surgery. It repairs the damaged nerves. Both specialists work together.
Not always. Pain is variable. A mild stretch can be very painful. A severe avulsion might only cause less pain. It causes immediate numbness.
A Brachial plexus injury is a complex, challenging trauma. It requires a precise diagnosis. It needs specialized surgical skill. The path to functional recovery is long. It needs patience and expert guidance.Primus Hospitals is a leading Neurosurgery hospital in Delhi. We have a dedicated neurosciences department. Our team includes the Best neurology specialist in Delhi professionals. We offer advanced diagnostic tools. We perform complex nerve grafting and transfer procedures. Our team offer the comprehensive Brachial plexus injury treatment you need.
