Symptoms

Brachial plexus paralysis can manifest itself with different symptoms depending on which nerves are particularly damaged. Sensory disturbances, signs of paralysis and/or pain can occur at different points on the affected arm. Especially when nerve roots in the spinal cord area tear out, pain often occurs.

These are sharp, burning and extend into the affected arm or hand. If the nerves are damaged, the muscles supplied by them suffer a loss of function, which can lead to paralysis of the different muscle groups in the arm and hand. If only the lower part of the brachial plexus is damaged, paralysis of the hand muscles is typical.

This form of paralysis is also known as lump paralysis. Patients are often unable to move their wrist. In the long term, the lack of innervation of the musculature leads to muscle atrophy.

The corresponding arm then becomes significantly thinner as the inactive muscles are broken down by the body. Sensory disturbances occur most frequently on the outside of the upper and lower arm in the case of paralysis of the brachial plexus. However, they are not found in every patient. If a newborn infant is affected by paralysis of the brachial plexus due to birth complications, this is often manifested by the fact that he or she does not make any movements in the shoulder joint. This often resolves itself over time, but there is also a certain risk of long-term growth disorders of the affected arm.

Diagnosis

To determine a lesion of the brachial plexus, the physician will first have the injury mechanism explained. This already gives first indications that the plexus may have been damaged. The patient’s clinical symptoms, which the physician will record during a physical examination, provide further clues.

Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder (MRI of the shoulder) depict the patient’s bones and soft tissues so that injuries can be detected directly. The spinal cord can also be directly displayed as part of a myelography. Nerve tears or tears of individual nerves can thus possibly be detected directly.