Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

Introduction of Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

Brachial plexus neuropathy syndrome, also termed as brachial plexopathy, is a

nerve disorder in the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves from the spinal cord that
separates in to individual shoulder and arm nerves. Since the brachial plexus
nerves generally originate from the spine region, the syndrome is quite often
misdiagnosed as a slipped/compressed disc orcervical spine disorder. Also
being a rarenerve disorder, it is easily confused with other neck and upper
extremity abnormalities. However, the condition is mainly characterized by acute
onset of severe pain in the shoulder or arm, followed by regional muscle
weakness. It is commonly seen in people of young age groups, affecting males
and females evenly and often characterized by repeated, bilateral attacks.

Casue of Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

Though the actual causes are unknown, there are a few probable factors that may
contribute to its occurrence, which are given below.
Trauma to the area
Stretching injuries
Parasitic infestation
Congenital abnormalities
Excessive exposure to toxins and radiations
Viral infection, especially of the upper respiratory tract
Bacterial infection likepneumonia, diphtheria, typhoid, etc.
Certainvaccinations, including influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, tetanus toxoids,
pertussis DPT, smallpox, etc.
Systemic illness such as polyarteritis nodosa,lymphoma,systemic lupus
erythematosus, temporal arteritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, etc.

Symptom of Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

The intensity of shoulder or arm pain experienced by the patient may vary, and is
initially mistaken for a strain or injury until the patient starts suffering from muscle
weakness. However, besidesnerve pain, there are many other symptoms, which
are as follows:
Numbness of the shoulder, arm or hand
Regional muscle weakness
Intense shoulder pain
Tingling, burning, or abnormal sensations in the affected area
Inability to extend or raise the wrist or hand

Diagnosis of Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

Since brachial plexus neuropathy is usually mistaken for some other

nerve abnormalities, severaldiagnostic testsmay have to be conducted to
identify the condition. The doctor will conduct aneurological examof the
patient in order to diagnose the complex or intricate nerve fibres in the affected
area. Further, he may perform an MRI of the area to reveal physical changes in
the nerves, and a nerve conduction test to determine the nerves that are not
conducting signals properly and where exactly the breakdown in communication
is occurring. Nerve biopsies can also be conducted to look out for any structural
damage to the nerve. .

Treatment of Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

The treatment mainly depends upon its underlying cause. If an injury is not the cause
of the pain, medication, braces or splints, and physical therapy are the most
recommended treatment options. For mild nerve pain, painkillers likeacetaminophen,
aspirin, andibuprofencan be used. However, to reduce stabbing and intense pain,
medications likephenytoin,carbamazepine, andgabapentincan be given to the
patient. Tricyclic antidepressants, such asamitriptyline, are also effective in providing
pain relief. Physical therapy, comprising simple arm and shoulder exercises, can also
help in relieving the nerve pain. In severe cases, wherein the syndrome is long-lasting
and symptoms get worse, a surgery may be performed to treat the condition.
Though brachial plexusneuropathyis not a life-threatening disorder, if left untreated,
it can develop into long term weakness or paralysis along with contractures in the
shoulder and arm. Hence, regular neurological exams are strongly recommended to
keep track of the changes in the condition. In case the aforementioned treatment
options do not prove to be helpful and with time the condition worsens,consult a
neurologistto elucidate the case.