Erb's Palsy
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What are Brachial Plexus Injuries?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsWhat are Brachial Plexus Injuries?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Brachial plexus
injuries are caused by damage to those nerves. Symptoms may include a limp or paralyzed arm, lack of muscle control in the
arm, hand, or wrist, and lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand. Although injuries can occur at any time, many brachial
plexus injuries happen during birth: the baby's shoulders may become impacted during the birth process causing the brachial
plexus nerves to stretch or tear. There are four types of brachial plexus injuries: avulsion, the most severe type, in which the nerve is torn from the spine; rupture, in which the nerve is torn but not at the spinal attachment; neuroma, in which the nerve has tried to heal itself but scar tissue has grown around the injury, putting pressure on the injured
nerve and preventing the nerve from conducting signals to the muscles; and neuropraxia or stretch, in which the nerve has been damaged but not torn. Neuropraxia is the most common type of brachial plexus injury.
Is there any treatment?
Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. Many children improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age. Treatment
for brachial plexus injuries includes occupational or physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
What is the prognosis?
The site and type of brachial plexus injury determine the prognosis. For avulsion and rupture injuries there is no potential
for recovery unless surgical reconnection is made in a timely manner. For neuroma and neuropraxia injuries the potential for
recovery varies. Most patients with neuropraxia injuries recover spontaneously with a 90-100% return of function.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on injuries to organs and networks within the nervous system, such as the brachial
plexus. Much of this research is aimed at finding ways to prevent and treat these disorders.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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Last updated February 12, 2007
