Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
What is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
A brachial plexus injury is an injury to the nerve network that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand. The nerve network originates in the brain and extends to these muscles and organs.
Common Causes
- Birth trauma
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Bicycle accidents
Treatment for brachial plexus injuries include:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Medication (e.g. Lyrica and Cesamet)
Prognosis is determined by the site and type of brachial plexus injury – some injuries are so severe that they require surgery to heal correctly. Other injuries may heal without treatment.
Infants are particularly susceptible to obstetrical brachial plexus injuries (OBPP) which can occur during birth. Paralysis or weakness of the arm can be caused by stretching of the nerves around the shoulder during delivery. Injuries are more common in cesarean deliveries than vaginal deliveries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 2% of babies are affected by OBPP every year.
Babies may recover by the time they are 3 or 4 months of age.
If your baby suffers from a brachial plexus injury and it may have been caused during birth, you need help from an attorney who specializes in birth injuries. Contact the Boston brain injury attorneys at Kiley Law Group for a Free evaluation of your case at 1-888-208-1695.
