Brachial plexus injuries occur when the network of nerves that controls movement and sensation of the shoulder, arm, and hand is damaged. The brachial plexus originates from the spinal cord in the neck (C5 to T1 nerve roots) and travels through the shoulder into the upper limb. Because of its location and complex structure, this nerve network is vulnerable to injury from various forms of trauma, pressure, or stretching.
Understanding the causes of brachial plexus injuries is important for early diagnosis, prevention, and appropriate treatment. These injuries can affect people of all ages, from newborns to adults, and the severity can range from mild weakness to complete paralysis of the arm.
1. Road Traffic Accidents
Road traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of brachial plexus injuries, particularly in adults. High-speed collisions often involve sudden and forceful movements of the neck and shoulder, which can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are especially associated with severe brachial plexus injuries. When a rider is thrown from the bike, the shoulder may be violently pulled away from the neck, leading to nerve stretching, rupture, or even nerve root avulsion from the spinal cord.
Car Accidents
In car accidents, sudden impact or improper seatbelt positioning can cause traction injuries to the brachial plexus, particularly when the head and shoulder move in opposite directions during a collision.
2. Falls and High-Impact Trauma
Falls from height or sudden impacts are another major cause of brachial plexus injuries. These may occur due to:
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Falling from stairs or ladders
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Slipping on wet surfaces
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Falling during sports or recreational activities
When a person lands on the shoulder or experiences a sudden jerk to the neck and arm, the brachial plexus nerves can be overstretched or compressed. In severe falls, the nerves may tear completely, resulting in significant loss of arm function.
3. Sports-Related Injuries
Contact sports and high-impact athletic activities can lead to brachial plexus injuries, particularly in young adults.
Contact Sports
Sports such as football, rugby, wrestling, and martial arts involve forceful collisions that can stretch the neck and shoulder region. A common mild form of brachial plexus injury in athletes is known as a “stinger” or “burner,” which causes temporary pain and weakness in the arm.
Repetitive Stress
In some cases, repeated minor trauma or improper technique during training can lead to cumulative nerve damage over time.
4. Birth-Related Trauma (Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy)
Brachial plexus injury can also occur during childbirth and is known as brachial plexus birth palsy. This condition affects newborns and occurs when excessive force is applied to the baby’s neck and shoulder during delivery.
Common Birth-Related Causes
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Prolonged or difficult labor
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Shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery
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Breech presentation
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Large birth weight
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Instrument-assisted deliveries using forceps or vacuum
During these situations, stretching of the brachial plexus can damage one or more nerve roots. While some infants recover naturally, others may develop partial or total brachial plexus palsy requiring specialized treatment.
5. Penetrating Injuries
Penetrating injuries such as stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or sharp object injuries can directly damage the brachial plexus nerves. These injuries are less common but often severe.
Direct trauma may:
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Cut the nerves completely
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Cause scarring around the nerve
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Lead to permanent nerve damage if not treated promptly
Penetrating injuries usually require surgical intervention to repair or reconstruct the damaged nerves.
6. Tumors and Growths
Tumors or abnormal growths near the neck, shoulder, or upper chest can compress the brachial plexus over time. These may include:
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Benign nerve tumors
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Malignant tumors
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Metastatic cancer
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Inflammatory masses
Compression from tumors can gradually impair nerve function, leading to pain, weakness, numbness, or muscle wasting. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent permanent damage.
7. Inflammatory and Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can affect the brachial plexus without direct trauma.
Inflammatory Disorders
Conditions such as brachial neuritis or Parsonage-Turner syndrome cause sudden inflammation of the brachial plexus, leading to severe shoulder pain followed by weakness.
Infections
Some infections may cause nerve inflammation or damage, resulting in brachial plexus dysfunction.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation treatment for cancers of the neck or chest can sometimes damage the brachial plexus, leading to radiation-induced brachial plexopathy.
8. Compression Injuries
Prolonged compression of the brachial plexus can occur due to:
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Improper positioning during surgery
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Carrying heavy loads on the shoulder
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Prolonged pressure during unconsciousness or coma
Although these injuries are often less severe, prolonged compression can still lead to nerve damage and functional impairment if not addressed.
9. Work-Related and Industrial Accidents
Occupational hazards contribute significantly to brachial plexus injuries, particularly in industries involving heavy machinery, construction, or manual labor.
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Machinery accidents
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Sudden traction injuries
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Falling objects
Such injuries are often complex and may involve multiple nerve roots.
10. Unknown or Idiopathic Causes
In some cases, the exact cause of brachial plexus injury cannot be clearly identified. These idiopathic cases may still present with significant symptoms and require medical evaluation and management.
Conclusion
Upper brachial plexus palsy is a complex condition that demands specialized expertise, advanced microsurgical intervention, and long-term rehabilitation. Thrissur has established itself as a trusted destination for comprehensive nerve injury care, offering patients access to modern diagnostic tools, advanced surgical options, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation support.
For individuals affected by this condition, seeking upper brachial plexus palsy treatment in Thrissur provides a pathway toward restoring movement, improving function, and enhancing overall quality of life.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Learn more
A good candidate for brachial plexus treatment is someone with ongoing arm weakness or paralysis from nerve injury that has not improved naturally. Learn more
The exact cost can only be determined after a detailed clinical evaluation and imaging studies, as each brachial plexus injury is unique. Learn more
Common symptoms of brachial plexus injuries include weakness or paralysis of the arm, loss of sensation, nerve pain, and difficulty moving the shoulder, elbow, or hand. Learn more
Brachial plexus injuries vary in type and severity, ranging from mild nerve stretching to complete paralysis of the arm depending on which nerves are affected. Learn more
You should ask about the type of nerve injury, surgical options, expected recovery time, risks, and realistic functional outcomes. Learn more
During a brachial plexus consultation, the doctor evaluates symptoms, reviews imaging and nerve studies, examines arm function, and discusses possible treatment options. Learn more
Risks may include incomplete nerve recovery, muscle weakness, stiffness, pain, infection, or complications related to anesthesia. Learn more
The procedure usually involves preoperative evaluation, nerve exploration, repair or grafting, postoperative care, and structured rehabilitation. Learn more
Results may include gradual improvement in muscle strength, sensation, and arm function, with recovery progressing over months. Learn more
Before-and-after images typically demonstrate changes in arm position, muscle bulk, and functional improvement following treatment. Learn more