Brachial plexus injuries affect the network of nerves responsible for movement and sensation of the shoulder, arm, and hand. Because this nerve network controls multiple muscles and sensory pathways, damage to the brachial plexus can result in a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms may appear suddenly after trauma or develop gradually over time, depending on the cause and severity of the injury.
Understanding the common symptoms of brachial plexus injuries is essential for early diagnosis and timely treatment, as delayed care can lead to long-term disability and muscle wasting.
1. Weakness in the Arm or Shoulder
One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of a brachial plexus injury is weakness in the affected arm. This weakness may involve:
Difficulty lifting the arm at the shoulder
Reduced ability to bend or straighten the elbow
Loss of wrist or finger movement
In mild cases, weakness may be temporary and improve over time. In more severe injuries, weakness can progress to complete paralysis of the arm.
2. Loss of Sensation or Numbness
Brachial plexus injuries often affect sensory nerves, leading to:
Numbness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
Reduced ability to feel touch, heat, or pain
Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
Loss of sensation may occur in specific areas depending on which nerve roots are involved. In severe cases, sensation may be completely absent.
3. Severe Nerve Pain
Nerve-related pain is a common and distressing symptom, especially in adult brachial plexus injuries. This pain is often described as:
Burning
Sharp or stabbing
Electric shock–like
The pain may radiate from the neck into the shoulder and arm and can persist even when movement is limited. In cases of nerve root avulsion, the pain may be intense and difficult to control.
4. Paralysis of the Arm
In severe brachial plexus injuries, particularly those involving multiple nerve roots or complete nerve disruption, paralysis of the arm may occur. This means:
No voluntary movement in the shoulder, arm, or hand
Inability to perform daily activities such as dressing or eating
Complete dependence on the unaffected arm
Paralysis can be partial or total, depending on the extent of nerve damage.
5. Muscle Wasting (Atrophy)
When nerves fail to supply muscles over a prolonged period, muscle wasting or atrophy develops. Signs include:
Shrinking of shoulder or arm muscles
Visible difference in size between both arms
Loss of muscle tone
Muscle atrophy indicates long-standing nerve damage and may reduce the effectiveness of delayed treatment.
6. Limited Range of Motion and Joint Stiffness
Lack of muscle control and prolonged immobility can lead to joint stiffness, especially in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Patients may experience:
Difficulty moving joints through their full range
Pain during movement
Frozen shoulder–like symptoms
Physiotherapy is important to prevent stiffness and preserve joint mobility.
7. Abnormal Arm Posture
Brachial plexus injuries may cause the arm to rest in an abnormal position. Common postures include:
Arm hanging limply by the side
Internal rotation of the shoulder
Flexed or extended elbow posture
In newborns, abnormal arm posture is often one of the first signs of brachial plexus birth palsy.
8. Reduced Grip Strength and Hand Function
When lower nerve roots are involved, patients may experience:
Weak grip
Difficulty holding objects
Poor finger coordination
This can significantly affect fine motor skills and daily activities such as writing, buttoning clothes, or using tools.
9. Sensory Changes in Newborns
In infants with brachial plexus birth palsy, symptoms may include:
Little or no movement of one arm
Reduced response to touch
Absent reflexes in the affected limb
Parents may notice that the baby does not use one arm during crying or movement.
10. Progressive Symptoms Over Time
In some cases, symptoms worsen over time, especially if the injury is due to compression or tumors. Progressive weakness, increasing pain, or worsening sensory loss should prompt urgent medical evaluation.
11. Impact on Daily Life
The combined effects of weakness, pain, and sensory loss can significantly impact daily life. Patients may struggle with:
Self-care activities
Work-related tasks
Sleep due to pain
Emotional stress and reduced quality of life
Early diagnosis and treatment help minimize these effects.
Brachial plexus injuries commonly cause weakness or paralysis of the arm, loss of sensation, nerve pain, and reduced muscle control. Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of nerve damage and may include numbness, burning pain, muscle wasting, joint stiffness, and difficulty performing daily activities. Early recognition of these symptoms and timely medical evaluation are essential to prevent long-term disability and improve recovery outcomes.
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
Brachial plexus injuries can arise from a wide range of causes. 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