The brachial plexus comprises group of nerves originating in the spinal cord in the lower neck and descending to the arms through the shoulders. These nerves control movement and sensation in the arms. 

This plexus can sustain injuries due to accidents, falls, trauma, or even at birth. 

The nerves may be stretched, compressed, or pulled away from the spinal cord, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the arms and hands. 

Doctors diagnose brachial plexus injury and then recommend a treatment plan to restore function, in tandem with other specialists. 

Types of brachial plexus injuries

These are the main types of brachial plexus injuries: 

• Brachial Plexus Avulsion: This is a serious condition in which the nerves from the spinal cord within the cervical spine or neck region are torn, leading to pain. 
• Brachial Neuritis: This condition impacts the arm, hand, and shoulder, leading to pain and numbness. This is probably a condition arising out of autoimmune response to another injury. This condition is amenable to medication, or surgery in extreme cases. 
• Brachial Plexus Rupture: This condition arises when parts of the nerves happen to be compressed or stretched or to be partially torn, leading to pain and loss of movement. Surgery is the only way to remedy this condition. 
• Brachial Plexus Newborn Birth Injury: This condition arises in babies during the birthing process, leading to a condition called Erb’s Palsy that impacts wrist and hand movement. Surgical procedures may be the best solution. 

Treatment of brachial plexus injury

Severe conditions such as Avulsion and ruptures indicate immediate surgery to prevent future damage and immobility of muscles. 

A diagnosis and thorough exam precedes the treatment, which, typically comprises procedures like neurolysis, neuroma excision, neurotization, and isolated nerve transfers. Going a step further, surgeons may use procedures like arthroscopy, tendon transfers, muscle transfers, elbow reconstruction, and rotational osteotomies. 

Non-serious brachial plexus conditions may be treated with physiotherapy including neuromuscular electrical stimulation, joint mobilization, use of orthoses, and Kinesio Taping, among others. 

Doctors may also use casts and splints, applying a new cast every week up to six weeks. One may also use corticosteroid creams and pain management medications. Nerves take time to heal, anywhere from one month to a year, depending on the extent of the injury. 

Risks and success rate in brachial plexus injury treatments

The brachial plexus covers five major nerve branches such as the musculocutaneous nerve, the axillary nerve, the median nerve, the radial nerve, and the ulnar nerve, originating from Ct to T1, and being responsible for movement of arm, hands, and elbows. 

One of the risks of surgical procedures is that it may lead to more damage to nerves, incomplete healing leading to loss of sensation and motor control, and sustained pain. 

However, not opting for surgery may pose more serious risk such as the loss of movement of the hand, wrist, and the entire arm. The success rate is high given today’s modern methods and use of equipment’s. 

Why India for Brachial Plexus Injuries treatments

Where nerve damage is involved, especially at the root close to the spine, the condition must always be taken with due seriousness and prompt attention should besought from specialists. India could be your best destination considering its several advantages for brachial plexus treatments.

• India has a tradition of service and for caring, right from top professionals to people lower down the health care services ladder. People care and it shows. You will like the humane approach. 
• Costs are far more affordable here as regards treatment, stay, routine expenses, and commutes. 
• There are fine private hospitals, clinics, and public hospitals with the best professionals and equipments for world class care. 
• India is home to highly qualified and skilled professionals.