Brachial Plexus Injury Therapy
There are many different types of injuries that someone could sustain in an auto accident and all of these have the potential to cause serious damage. Even though people focus on brain injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage, it is just as important to think about what can happen when someone suffers nerve damage. According to information that has been published by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS):
- The nerves play an important role in the body as they transmit motor signals between the brain and the rest of the body while also transmitting sensory signals from the body back to the brain
- Damage to the nerves can lead to a permanent loss of crucial motor and sensory function
- While nerves travel from the brain down toward the spine, nerves also travel from the spine to the rest of the body
- Damage to nerves anywhere along this path can lead to the development of chronic pain
Because of this, it is important to understand how nerve damage occurs and the different types of nerves which can be injured. One of the nerve bundles that could be injured is the brachial plexus.
Mechanism of a Brachial Plexus Injury
The job of the brachial plexus is to provide both motor and sensory function for the entire arm. There is a brachial plexus nerve bundle at the top of both the right and the left arm. Damage to the brachial plexus can lead to problems moving the arm as well as issues sensing pain, temperature, and pressure along the arm. The main way that the brachial plexus is injured is through traction. Traction on the arm can stretch the nerves in the brachial plexus to the point of tearing. This can happen in a motorcycle accident, during the birthing process, or even during a fall injury when someone reaches out with their arm to grab something.
Brachial Plexus Injury Therapy: Treatment
Once a brachial plexus injury has been diagnosed, it must be treated. Depending on the timing of the injury, surgery could be performed to try and reattach the nerves that have been cut. After this, physical therapy is needed to help someone regain the function of that damaged nerve. This can involve range of motion exercises as well as weight-bearing routines to try and restore the innervation along muscle fibers which have been lost. While some motor and sensory deficits might be permanent, intense exercises can also help someone return to their baseline. It is important to start physical therapy as soon as possible after a brachial plexus injury before devastating contractures of the muscles and joints set in.
Help from a Trained Legal Adviser
A brachial plexus injury is a serious issue that could cause someone to lose function in their upper limb. This can make it hard to attend school, perform work around the house, or hold down a job. Because of this, it is helpful to seek legal counsel, especially if your injury was due to someone’s negligent or careless actions. Depending on the circumstances of the injury, you and your family might be entitled to receive financial compensation.
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Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. Brachial plexus injury therapy can be complicated. If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I would be happy to offer friendly, free advice.
I am happy to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Image Credit: The photo at the beginning of this article was seen displayed on Unsplash. The picture has been inserted here with permission.
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