Imagine your arm suddenly losing power. It loses feeling. This can happen after a severe accident. This is the reality of a Brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves. It is crucial for arm function. These nerves run from your neck. They run through your shoulder. They control all your hand and arm movements. Damage to this critical area is very serious. It can cause temporary or permanent disability. Find a Neurosurgery specialist in Dwarka, Delhi for proper diagnosis.
A Brachial plexus injury can range from mild stretching to catastrophic tearing. The injury’s effect depends on the level of damage. It affects your ability to work and to perform daily tasks. Recognizing the types of brachial plexus injuries is vital. This speeds up the start of effective Brachial plexus injury treatment. The care for this kind of nerve damage requires the most skilled experts. You must seek the help of a Best Neurosurgery specialist in Delhi.
We will fully explain the structure of the plexus. We detail the common causes of injury, explore the classification system used by doctors, and discuss the advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Anatomy of Brachial plexus
The brachial plexus is a very complex structure. Its design ensures redundant connections.
From Spinal Cord to Fingertips
- The Roots: The plexus begins high in the neck. It begins with five spinal nerve roots. These are C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1.
- The Trunks and Divisions: These roots merge. They form three trunks. The trunks divide into divisions. These divisions then combine again. They form cords near the collarbone.
- The Major Nerves: The cords finally form the major peripheral nerves. These include the median nerve. They include the ulnar nerve. They include the radial nerve. These nerves power the entire arm. They give sensation to the hand.
Damage at the root level is the most severe. It cuts off the entire power supply. This requires expert care from a Neurosurgery Doctor in Dwarka,.
Causes of Trauma and Brachial plexus injury
Most Brachial plexus injury cases result from high-velocity trauma. The arm and neck are forcefully pulled apart.
High-Energy Accidents in Adults
- Motorcycle and Automobile Accidents: This is the leading cause. The shoulder hits the ground hard. The head snaps away from the shoulder. This violently stretches the nerves. It often tears them.
- Severe Falls: Falling from a height. Landing heavily on the shoulder. This can cause the same severe stretching.
- Direct Impact: A crushing injury to the shoulder can cause damage. A gunshot wound can sever the nerves.
Brachial Plexus Injury in Newborns
Brachial plexus injury in newborns is a special, sad case. It happens during a difficult birth.
- Shoulder Dystocia: This occurs when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck. It gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. The doctor must pull the baby out. This stretches the baby’s neck. It damages the plexus.
- Types of Birth Palsy: The resulting injury is called birth palsy. The most common is Erb’s palsy. This affects the upper nerves.
Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries
The degree of nerve damage dictates the prognosis. It determines the correct Brachial plexus injury treatment. Doctors use a clear classification system.
Levels of Nerve Damage
- Neurapraxia: This is a temporary injury. The nerve is stretched. It is bruised. But it is not torn. Signals are blocked. Full recovery is expected.
- Axonotmesis: The internal fibers are damaged. The outer nerve sheath is intact. Healing is possible. It takes months.
- Neurotmesis (Rupture): The entire nerve is cut. It is torn completely. Spontaneous healing cannot occur. This requires surgical repair.
- Avulsion: This is the most serious injury. The nerve is torn out. It is torn right from the spinal cord. This requires complex reconstruction.
A quick, precise diagnosis is vital. It prevents muscle wasting. The types of brachial plexus injuries must be identified quickly.
What is the Extent of the Harm in Brachial plexus injury
Accurate diagnosis requires highly specialized tools. The team at a Center for Brain and spine clinic in Delhi uses these.
Diagnosis of Brachial plexus injury in Dwarka, Delhi
- Detailed Physical Exam: The doctor tests every muscle. They test every area of sensation. They map the exact nerves involved.
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): This test measures nerve signal speed. Slowed signals indicate nerve compression.
- Electromyography (EMG): This measures muscle response. It shows if the muscle is receiving electrical commands.
- Imaging (MRI/CT Myelography): This is used for severe injuries. It clearly visualizes the nerve roots. It confirms if an avulsion occurred.
The Best neurosurgery specialist in Delhi uses all these tools. They build a complete picture of the damage.
Brachial Plexus Injury Treatment in Dwarka, Delhi
The path to recovery is complex. It requires a dedicated team. The Brachial plexus injury treatment depends on the severity.
Brachial plexus injury treatment without surgery in Dwarka, Delhi
- Observation: Neurapraxia and mild injuries are observed. They usually heal within three months.
- Physiotherapy: This is non-negotiable. It starts immediately. It maintains joint mobility. It prevents joint stiffness.
- Pain Management: Medications control the severe nerve pain. This is called neuropathic pain.
Brachial plexus injury Surgery in Dwarka, Delhi
Surgery is necessary for ruptures and avulsions. It must be done within six months.
- Nerve Grafting: For a clean tear, a section of less important nerve. It is used to bridge the gap. This guides new nerve growth.
- Nerve Transfer: A working, expendable nerve is used. It is moved to take the place of a paralyzed nerve. This restores critical function.
- Muscle/Tendon Transfers: This is done later. It uses healthy muscles. It powers paralyzed joints. This is a salvage procedure.
Recovery, Rehabilitation and Follow-Up
Recovery after Brachial plexus injury treatment is slow. It is very long. Nerves regenerate slowly. They only grow about one inch per month.
- Intensive Rehabilitation: The patient needs daily physical therapy. They need occupational therapy. This teaches the brain to use the newly growing nerves.
- Psychological Support: The long journey is frustrating. Counseling helps manage expectations. It maintains patient morale.
- Regular Monitoring: The Neurosurgery hospital in Delhi monitors nerve regrowth. They use follow-up EMG tests. This ensures the treatment is working.
FAQs
No, most newborns with Erb’s palsy. They regain significant function. This happens within the first year. Surgery is only considered if no progress happens. This is true after three to six months.
Nerve repair surgery is most effective. It is best done within six months of the injury. After about 12 months, the muscles die. This is due to lack of nerve input.
Neurology focuses on non-surgical nerve and brain disorders. Neurosurgery focuses on surgery. They repair the physical nerve. They repair the spine. Both work together for Brachial plexus injury treatment.
A Brachial plexus injury is a life-altering event. It requires the highest level of care. The key to a good outcome is fast, accurate diagnosis. It is followed by specialized Brachial plexus injury treatment.
The Center for Brain and Spine provides this expert care. We are a leading center for nerve trauma. Our team includes a Best neurosurgery specialist in Delhi. We have skilled neurosurgeons. We specialize in complex nerve repair and reconstruction. Get in touch for a consultation today!