The Brachial Plexus is a complex network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord at C5-T1 levels, and it is responsible for controlling the muscles and sensory function of the shoulder, arm, and hand.
However, structural damage to the brachial plexus leads to the injury
Structure of Brachial Plexus
- Roots:
It originates from the ventral rami of the spinal cord C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1
- Trunks:
- The upper trunk is formed by C5 and C6
- The middle trunk is formed by C7
- The lower trunk is formed by C8 and T1
- Divisions
Each trunk splits into 2 divisions:
Anterior division (for flexors) and Posterior division (for extensors)
- Cords:
- Lateral cord – Fusion of anterior divisions of upper & middle trunks
- Posterior cord – Fusion of all posterior divisions
- Medial cord – Fusion of the anterior division of the lower trunk
- Branches
- Musculocutaneous nerve – from lateral cord (C5–C7)
- Axillary nerve – from the posterior cord (C5–C6)
- Radial nerve – from posterior cord (C5–T1)
- Median nerve – from lateral and medial cord (C5–T1)
- Ulnar nerve – from medial cord (C8–T1)
Function of the Terminal nerves of the brachial plexus
- Musculocutaneous nerve
-Flexes the elbow and the Anterior arm
- Axillary nerve
-Abducts the shoulder, the Deltoid and the teres minor
- Radial nerve
-Extends the elbow, wrist, fingers Posterior arm and the forearm
- Median nerve
-It helps in flexing the wrist, fingers, Forearm and lateral hand
- Ulnar nerve
-It is responsible for the motor control of fingers, the Medial hand and fingers
Causes of Brachial Plexus Injury
- Trauma from any kind of accident, such as a motor/car accident
- Birth injuries such as shoulder dystocia, causing Erb’s palsy
- Sports injuries
- Tumours or inflammation of muscles or nerves
- Surgical complications
Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries
- Avulsion – The Nerve root is torn directly from the spinal cord.
- Rupture – Tearing of nerve but not at the spinal attachment.
- Neuroma – A scar tissue or tumour that compresses or disrupts the nerve.
- Neurapraxia – It is a stretch injury without tearing the nerve.
- Erb’s Palsy – Involves upper roots of brachial plexus(C5–C6) and affects the shoulder and biceps.
- Klumpke’s Palsy – It involves the lower roots (C8–T1) and affects the hand and wrist.
Symptoms Of Brachial Plexus
-Weakness or paralysis of the shoulder, arm, or hand.
-Loss of sensation.
-Pain or burning sensation (neuropathic pain).
-Muscle atrophy over time.
- Diagnosis:
Diagnosis and Evaluation can be made by following the procedures:
-Clinical examination
-Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
-MRI or CT myelography
- Prognosis:
Varies by severity and timing of treatment.
Early intervention, especially surgical (within 6 months), improves outcomes.
- Treatment:
Mild cases: Physical therapy, pain management, observation.
Moderate to severe cases: Nerve grafts, nerve transfers, muscle or tendon transfers, surgical repair
- Homeopathic Management of Brachial Plexus Injuries:
Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism by selecting the remedies based on a holistic assessment, which includes physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
Here are some frequently used Homeopathic Remedies and their Indications
- Hypericum perforatum
-Sharp, shooting nerve pain after injury or surgery. Excellent for nerve damage.
- Arnica montana
-First remedy after trauma; reduces shock, bruising, and soreness.
- Ruta graveolens
-Injuries to tendons, ligaments, and deep tissues. Useful for trauma to the brachial region.
- Causticum
-Paralysis with muscle stiffness and weakness. Indicated when recovery is slow.
- Bellis perennis
-Deep tissue trauma, especially to muscles and nerves.
5 .Conium maculatum
-Nerve degeneration and numbness. Often used in chronic cases.
- Gelsemium sempervirens
-Weakness, tremors, and lack of coordination. Sometimes used when anxiety or fear is a component.
- Some Adjunct Therapies that may complement the recovery
- Physical therapy: Crucial for functional recovery.
- Electrotherapy / Nerve stimulation: Often prescribed by specialists.
- Nutritional support: Vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
FAQ’s
1.What causes a brachial plexus injury?
Common causes include trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls), difficult childbirth (especially shoulder dystocia), sports injuries, tumors, or inflammation.
- What are the symptoms observed in brachial plexus injury?
Symptoms can include shoulder or arm weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, or complete loss of movement in the arm or hand, depending on the severity of the injury.
- How is a brachial plexus injury diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve a physical exam, imaging tests like MRI or CT myelography, and nerve tests such as electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function and damage.
4.What kind of doctor treats a brachial plexus injury?
- Neurologist – Specializes in diagnosing and treating nerve-related conditions.
- Orthopedic Surgeon (Specializing in Nerve Injuries) – Handles surgical procedures involving bones, joints, and nerves, especially in traumatic injuries.
- Homeopathic Doctor – Offers holistic and safe treatment options using natural remedies aimed at nerve healing, pain relief, and improving overall health.
- Neurosurgeon – Performs complex surgeries on the nervous system, including nerve grafts or repairs when nerves are severely damaged.
- Plastic Surgeon (Microsurgeon) – Expert in delicate nerve and soft tissue reconstruction using microsurgical techniques, often involved in nerve or muscle transfer surgeries.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Physician / Physiatrist – Focuses on non-surgical treatment, pain management, and physical therapy to help restore function.
- Pediatric Neurologist or Pediatric Surgeon – Manages brachial plexus injuries in infants and children, especially birth-related injuries like Erb’s palsy.
In conclusion, Homeo Care Clinic offers a holistic approach to treating the disease. The remedies mentioned above can treat the underlying causes of the condition and offer relief from the discomfort. However, it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner for the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Homeo Care Clinic provides comprehensive care for various ailments, and offers customized treatment plans based on individual requirements.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our treatment, please visit our website or give us a call +91 9595211594 our best homeopathy doctor will be here to help.
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