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.

1. SYMPTOMS | CAUSES |
TREATMENT
Brachial Plexus
Neuropathy Syndrome

2. 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.
 There’s 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.