Conditions & Diagnoses: A-Z

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Brachial Plexus Lesions

Definition:
A pathological change to a complex web of spinal nerves arising from the cervical spine; these nerves innervate the superior extremities.
Symptoms:
  • Unable to move affected shoulder, arm, hand
  • Lack of sensation in the affected shoulder, arm, hand
  • Lack of muscle control in the affected shoulder, arm, hand
Causes:
  • Shoulder trauma
  • Tumor
  • Inflammation
  • Direct blow to anterior shoulder
  • Excessive stretch to shoulder
Treatment:
  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand ROM and stretching exercises
  • Postural program
  • Shoulder stabilization strengthening
  • Upper extremity strengthening