The brachial plexus is a matrix of interwoven nerves originating from the cervical spine (neck) through the shoulder girdle, down the arm, and into the fingertips. These nerves handle motor movement and sensation, including feeling, temperature, moisture, pressure, and related feeling. A common way that the brachial plexus nerves are injured is when the shoulders or arm is pulled or pushed in a certain way. This occurs when a baby’s arm is pulled during the labor and delivery process, or when a person falls onto his or her shoulder with force enough to separate the nerve. Additionally, brachial plexus nerves could be injured during medical procedures like Oregon medical malpractice.
There are several types of brachial plexus injuries. The most common include neuropraxia (a stretched nerve injury), a rupture (tear in the nerve), and an avulsion (when the nerve is pulled from the spinal cord). These types of injuries are diagnosed both on physical examination but also confirmed by imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, electrodiagnostic studies (EMGs), and other tests.
There are several ways to repair brachial plexus injuries which include surgery and non surgery options. Initially, it is important to note that some brachial plexus injuries will repair themselves without the need for any treatment or intervention. This could takes weeks, months, or even years in severe cases, and generally occurs only with mild injuries like stretches.
However, other injuries may require some form of treatment. This could include physical therapy to help with posture, stretching, and scar tissue around the nerves which would be putting pressure or constricting the nerve. This is also known as nerve gliding. Treatment could also mean some injections near the nerves to help decrease the pain or decrease the swelling near the affected nerve.
Unfortunately, some brachial plexus nerves will need surgical intervention to repair. This is particularly true of ruptures and avulsions. Some of the surgical repairs on nerve injuries include the following:
If you or your loved one needs surgery to repair a brachial plexus or nerve injury caused by a birth injury or surgical error, please call Kuhlman Law, LLC to learn what those rights are and how our compassionate team can help today. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
We handle cases throughout the state including Portland and Bend, Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, and Hillsboro.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.
To receive a FREE consultation, please call our Oregon medical malpractice lawyer by dialing (541) 385-1999 or use our easy and convenient “contact us” box at the bottom of our website. If we accept your case, we will conduct a FREE investigation to get you the answers that you deserve regarding your birth injury case.