What Are Brachial Plexus Palsy And Peripheral Nerve Injury?Brachial plexus palsy occurs when the brachial plexus (the group of nerves that supply the arm and hand) is injured. It is most common when there is difficulty delivering the baby's shoulder (shoulder dystocia). The patients lose strength in the arm and/or hand. If the injury caused bruising and swelling around the nerves, movement may return without intervention if the injury to the nerves is not severe. More serious trauma to the brachial plexus may result in permanent nerve damage and weakness.How Are Brachial Plexus And Peripheral Nerve Injuries Diagnosed?Patients with a brachial plexus injury will usually present with either partial or complete weakness of the arm depending upon the level of injury to the nerves. Diagnostic studies can include electromyogram (EMG), nerve conduction velocity analysis and/or an MRI scan of the cervical spine to study the degree of nerve root damage.How Are These Injuries Treated at LPCH?At LPCH, a comprehensive team of specialists can assess if surgery would be helpful to patients with peripheral nerve injury. Young patients undergoing surgery often experience better outcomes than adult patients. Dr. Daniel Kim leads the nationally recognized pediatric neurosurgery team that has specialized training in surgery to treat this condition.For patients that would not benefit from surgery, brachial palsy may be treated with immobilization of the arm with a brace or splint and physical therapy. Special exercises are also used to help maintain the range of motion of the arm. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, or if you have additional questions, please call the Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic at (650) 724-4192 or the Pediatric Neurosurgery Professional Office at (650) 497-8775. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
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