Brachial Plexopathy

Reviewed 06/2019

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Dysfunction of any region of the brachial plexus due to injury, lesion, or idiopathic etiologies
The brachial plexus is a complex network of peripheral nerves arising from the lower n...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Brachial plexopathy should be considered in any patient presenting with shoulder or upper extremity pain, weakness, or paresthesia with insidious, sudden onset or after trauma.

The co...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Treatment varies depending on varying factors such as etiology and severity. The goal of treatment should be restoring motor and sensory function and alleviating pain. All ac...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Physical therapy or occupational therapy is required for an optimal recovery of function and for managing pain.
Close monitoring of strength and symptoms should be...

REFERENCES

Khadilkar SV, Khade SS. Brachial plexopathy. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2013;16(1):12–18. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]

Neal S, Fields KB. Peripheral nerve entrapment and injury in the...

CODES

ICD10

G54.0 Brachial plexus disorders
S14.3XXA Injury of brachial plexus, initial encounter
G54.5 Neuralgic amyotrophy

ICD9

353.0 Brachial plexus lesions
953.4 Injury to brachial plexus
353.5 Neuralgic...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Brachial plexopathies should be considered with any insidious or sudden onset of upper extremity pain, weakness, or paresthesia.
Most cases are posttraumatic, but several are idiopathic...

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