Brachial Plexus Pain

[Kobrin]

I was involved in a high speed bike accident resulting in nerves been avulsed in the plexus region, although I nerve survived and 2 have been grafted and the last 2 unable to graft. This has resulted in paralysis of the right arm. I am constantly in pain the threshold does very to chronic or extreme. I am taking a handful of drugs to try and relieve the pain but not finding much success. Just wondering if anyone has had similar problems, is there a doctor that can operate in the column for the final two nerves to be grafted?.

Lots of questions but no answers need to get control back.

[gaz61]

well mate,it doesnt sound good for you,i had similar accident in 1984,paralyzd left arm,brachial plexus,the pain that day was like having my arm ripped off!i still have that pain,it can range daily from a constant burning feeling as iff my fingerends have been crushed to the extreme of rolling aroungd the floor in complete agony,its been 26 yr now and its still hurting.its a horrid injury,i had my arm amputated in 1986 as i just couldnt stand the dead arm,lugging around,cold and dead,i find life easyr without it but it is a massive decision,and your life changes as you become a summet to look at figure for life!i have had loads diff medication,im on tramadol,it numbs the paidn a little but dont realy work,as i was 24 wen i had the accident and im 50 this year i have had this mor than half my life now and its very deppressing.im on sleepers at night and cant sleep alot threw the pain,im very sorry for you and its not going to be easy for you,this injury is just so painfull.and even the doctors find it hard to find the right painkiller to work with cronic pain,i worked fulltime for 15 year after i the arm off in 1986,but had to finish work because i just couldnt control the daily pain.i finished working in 2000,ended up on the sick list dss, and thats still were i am today,feel usless and worthless,not a happy life.

[Dshell]

My father was in a car accident last April which almost he and my step mother.  His most severe injury was total avulsion of his Brachial Plexus nerves and an avulsion in his lumbar region.  He has near total paralysis in his arm, meaning he can move his thumb a little but no function. Due to the lumbar avulsion he has Horner's syndrome as well. His injuries are non operable at this stage but is a possibility in the future to restore SOME function.  He is constantly told what a long process nerve regeneration can be.  

He takes gabapentin, norco and a medication similar to tramadol but he is in constant pain with or without medication.  Atrophy has begun and docs at UC Davis believe he has complex regional pain syndrome. In my father's case we talk a lot about the pain we experience as I have fibo, which is also a nerve type pain. In his case I believe he is still in a sort of shock, as his wife has a brain injury and they came so close to death.  I feel that is the reason he has been non-compliant with requests for PT and taking his meds.

Regardless, the best thing you can do, and that was done for my father, is finding a doctor who specializes in your type of injury.  It is my understanding it can be difficult to find a neurologist who sub specializes in Brachial Plexus injuries. I don't know where you live but UC Davis, who treats my father has a doctor who takes a special interest in these type of cases.  It may be a resource for you.  Often, many us with chronic pain who do not live in central locations, have to travel to find good medical help.

Good luck to you,
Michelle

[Tuckamore]

Hi Korbin,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am glad that you took the time to post.

A skilled neurosurgeon should be able to answer your questions regarding a surgical repair. I am sorry but I do not know the answer. Much will depend on the injury. I think that replacing nerves is tricky at best.

Nerve pain is one of the most difficult to treat, as I am sure you have discovered. Often it's a trial and error process with different medications and treatments before we find the best combination.

I am sorry that you are having so much pain. I wish you the very best and hope that you will let us know how you are doing.

Take Care,
Tuck