What Types of Brachial Plexus Treatment Are Available?

Brachial plexus injury is the injury caused to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the neck that control movement and feeling of the arm. This type of injury affects the functions of movement, feeling and growth of the arm. In children, this injury is usually caused during the birthing process. In adults, it occurs most frequently in motorcycle accidents.

Sometimes, the injury heals with therapy alone, but in more severe cases surgery may become necessary. Brachial plexus treatment should be provided by a reputable and experienced plastic surgeon.

Controlling the Pain

Pain from these injuries is described as a constant burning or crushing sensation. Immediately after the injury, drugs that contain opiates are used to reduce the pain. Anticonvulsant and antidepressant medications can also help.

Brachial Plexus Treatments – Options Available   

In several cases, less important nerves are taken from other body parts to help restoration of the function of the arms.

•  Nerve graft

• Nerve transfer

When the roots of the nerve are torn from the spinal cord, the nerve which is less important and is still attached to the spinal cord is taken and hooked to the nerve that is not attached any more. In some cases, this surgery is performed by the surgeons at a level that is very close to the target muscle rather than doing a nerve graft far from the muscle. This is to help speed up the process of recovery. The growth of nerve tissue is slow. It grows one inch per month. So, several years may be taken for complete recovery after this surgery. During the period of recovery, the joints should be kept flexible with proper exercising. To keep the hand from curling inwards, splints can be used.  Since there is a risk of muscle atrophy, brachial plexus surgery should be performed within 3 to 6 months after the brachial plexus injury. The rate of success may be reduced if brachial plexus treatment takes place a year after the surgery.

• Muscle transfer

This is a procedure in which the less important tendon or a muscle is removed from another body part and transferred to the arm. This is necessary if deterioration of the arm muscles is seen.

Brachial plexus treatment must necessarily be provided by an experienced and reputable plastic surgeon. He/she would discuss the treatment options available and recommend the one that is most effective in your case. With appropriate treatment from the right surgeon, you stand to benefit from speedy recovery and improved functionality of the arm.