Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome : Causes, Symptoms, Daignosis and Treatment

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Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

• Symptoms causes treatment

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INTRODUCTION Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

• Brachial plexus neuropathy syndrome, also termed
  as brachial plexopathy, is a nerve disorder in
  the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves from the
  spinal cord that separates in to individual
  shoulder and arm nerves.
• The brachial plexus nerves generally originate
  from the spine region, the syndrome is quite
  often misdiagnosed as a slipped/compressed disc
  or cervical spine disorder. 
• Theres a condition which is mainly characterized
  by acute onset of severe pain in the shoulder or
  arm, followed by regional muscle weakness. It is
  commonly seen in people of young age groups,
  affecting males and females evenly and often
  characterized by repeated, bilateral attacks. 

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SYMPTOMS Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

• The intensity of shoulder or arm pain experienced
  by the patient may vary, and is initially
  mistaken for a strain or injury until the patient
  starts suffering from muscle weakness. However,
  besides nerve pain, there are many other
  symptoms, which are as follows 
• Numbness of the shoulder, arm or hand
• Regional muscle weakness
• Intense shoulder pain
• Tingling, burning, or abnormal sensations in the
  affected area
• Inability to extend or raise the wrist or hand

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CAUSES Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

• Though the actual causes are unknown, there are a
  few probable factors that may contribute to its
  occurrence, which are given below. 
• Trauma to the area
• Stretching injuries
• Parasitic infestation
• Congenital abnormalities
• Excessive exposure to toxins and radiations
• Viral infection, especially of the upper
  respiratory tract
• Bacterial infection like pneumonia, diphtheria,
  typhoid, etc.
• Certain vaccinations, including influenza,
  tetanus, diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, pertussis
  DPT, smallpox, etc.

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DAIGNOSIS Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

• Since brachial plexus neuropathy is usually
  mistaken for some other nerve abnormalities,
  several diagnostic tests may have to be conducted
  to identify the condition. The doctor will
  conduct a neurological exam of the patient in
  order to diagnose the complex or intricate nerve
  fibres in the affected area. Further, he may
  perform an MRI of the area to reveal physical
  changes in the nerves, and a nerve conduction
  test to determine the nerves that are not
  conducting signals properly and where exactly the
  breakdown in communication is occurring. Nerve
  biopsies can also be conducted to look out for
  any structural damage to the nerve.

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TREATMENT Brachial Plexus Neuropathy Syndrome

• Physical therapy are the most recommended
  treatment.
• Painkillers like acetaminophen, aspirin,
  and ibuprofen can be used.
• To reduce stabbing and intense pain, medications
  like phenytoin, carbamazepine, and gabapentin can
  be given to the patient.
• In severe cases, wherein the syndrome is
  long-lasting and symptoms get worse, a surgery
  may be performed to treat the condition.
• If condition get worsens, consult a neurologist.