What Is Brachial Plexus Avulsion Pain?
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Do I Have Brachial Plexus Avulsion Pain?
From contact sports to traumatic car accidents, injuries to the Brachial Plexus can leave patients in intense pain and limited arm, shoulder, or hand movement. If you have been diagnosed with a Brachial Plexus injury and are suffering from ongoing Brachial Plexus Avulsion Pain, there are treatments to help relieve your pain and potentially regain mobility.
What Are The Causes Of Brachial Plexus Avulsion Pain?
The Brachial Plexus is the system of nerves that provide communication from the spinal cord to the shoulders, arms, and hands. If this collection of nerves is stretched, compressed, or torn away from the spinal cord, the connection can be disrupted or lost. Brachial Plexus Avulsion can cause intense pain, mobility issues, and in the worst cases, the full paralysis of the limb.
What Are The Symptoms of Brachial Plexus Avulsion Pain?
The symptoms of Brachial Plexus Avulsion depends on the severity of the injury. If the tear or stretching is limited (as in most sports-related injuries), symptoms can be minor. If there is a major strain or tear or the Brachial Plexus is pulled completely away from the spinal cord, the outcome may be extreme pain and loss of function. Patients may describe crushing sensations, intense burning pain, shooting pain and/or constant aching pain.
Minor Injury Symptoms:
Weakness in shoulder, arm, or hand
Numbness or tingling
Pain described as burning, shooting, or shocking
Major Injury Symptoms:
Loss of function in hand, arm, or shoulder
Complete numbness
Intense pain
How Is It Diagnosed?
It’s crucial that you get diagnosed and access treatment quickly if you believe you have a Brachial Plexus injury. Nerves are most receptive to therapies, including grafts, directly after the injury. Dr. Alain de Lotbinière will review your medical and injury history as well as utilize tests such as nerve conduction, MRI, and CT scans to gauge the severity of the damage and provide the best treatment options for you.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Depending on the severity of the injury, initial surgical treatments will vary but can include:
Depending on the severity of the injury, initial surgical treatments will vary but can include:
- Neurolysis
- Nerve grafts
- Nerve transfers
- Muscle transfers
Chronic Brachial Plexus Avulsion Pain may be managed with:
What Are My Next Steps?
For answers and advanced treatment options turn to Dr. Alain de Lotbinière. With more than thirty years of experience as a pioneering neurosurgeon, he uses his diagnostic expertise and cutting edge treatments to find the best way forward for you. Discover relief from your pain and get the answers you deserve by booking an appointment today. Dr. de Lotbinière is accepting new patients at his New York and Connecticut offices.