Branchial Plexus Surgeries

What is Branchial plexus surgeries?

Brachial plexus surgery involves procedures performed to repair or reconstruct the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that originates in the spinal cord and controls movement and sensation in the arms, shoulders, and hands. Injury to the brachial plexus can occur due to trauma (such as motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries), tumors, or other conditions like birth-related injuries (e.g., brachial plexus palsy in infants). These surgeries aim to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life for individuals with nerve damage in this area.

Causes Leading to Brachial Plexus Surgery:

Brachial plexus surgery is typically performed for conditions caused by nerve damage or injury to the brachial plexus, including:

Traumatic Injury: Accidents, falls, or blunt trauma that stretch, tear, or rupture the nerves in the brachial plexus.
Brachial Plexus Palsy: A condition often seen in infants during childbirth when the nerves in the brachial plexus are stretched or torn. It can also occur in adults due to trauma or excessive pressure.
Tumors: Tumors that grow in or near the brachial plexus, pressing on the nerves and affecting function.
Nerve Compression: Conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves in the brachial plexus become compressed due to abnormal bone or soft tissue growth.
Cervical Rib Syndrome: The presence of an extra rib in the neck can compress the brachial plexus, leading to pain and dysfunction in the arm.
Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: When nerves from the brachial plexus are compressed between the first rib and the collarbone, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm.

Symptoms

Numbness or Tingling: Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations (like tingling or “pins and needles”) in the arm, hand, or fingers, often indicating nerve damage.
Weakness or Paralysis: Difficulty moving the arm, shoulder, or hand, or partial/full paralysis, can be a sign of severe nerve injury.
Pain: Chronic or severe pain in the shoulder, arm, or hand that is not relieved by conventional pain management treatments.
Loss of Coordination: Difficulty with fine motor tasks like grasping objects or performing precise hand movements.
Muscle Atrophy: Progressive muscle weakness or wasting, which may occur when the nerves that control certain muscles are damaged.
Inability to Lift the Arm or Hand: A total or partial inability to lift or use the arm or hand, especially following a traumatic injury.

When to see a doctor

If you experience sudden weakness, numbness, tingling, or paralysis in your arm or hand, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Brachial plexus injuries often result from trauma, such as accidents, falls, or childbirth-related injuries. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to improving outcomes. If conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications do not relieve symptoms or restore function, a specialist in nerve surgery (such as a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon) may recommend brachial plexus surgery. Nerve damage can often be repaired effectively if treated early, but long delays in treatment can lead to irreversible muscle weakness or loss of function. An MRI, nerve conduction studies, or electromyography (EMG) will help determine the extent of nerve damage and guide treatment decisions.

Book your consultation today!

Request an Appointment with Doctor

Book an Appointment

87122 21734

Blogs & Articles

Health articles that keep you informed about good health practices and achieve your goals.

Hello world!

Renova Century Hospital

Road No 12, Bhola Nagar,
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

Origin Hospitals

S.No. 2-5-36/CLRD/1, Chintalmet X Roads, Near Pillar No. 177, PVNR Expressway, Attapur, Hyderabad.

Call us for Appointments

+91 87122 21734
+91 86886 09515