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Brachial Plexopathy

Kyle M Samyn, MS, DO and Navin Abro, D.O Reviewed 04/2024
 


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

The goal of treatment should be restoring motor and sensory function and alleviating pain. All acute onset, nontraumatic cases, and burner syndrome should be treated conserva...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • A care team consisting of a physical and  occupational therapy helpful for an optimal recovery of function and for managing pain.

  • Close monitoring of strength and ...

REFERENCES

1
Khadikar  SV, Khade  SS. Brachial plexopathy. Ann Indian Acad Neurol.  2013; 16(1): 12– 18.  [View Abstract]
2
Yoshida ...

CODES

ICD10

  • G54.0 Brachial plexus disorders

  • S14.3XXA Injury of brachial plexus, initial encounter

  • G54.5 Neuralgic amyotrophy

SNOMED

  • 3548001 Brachial plexus disorder (disorder)

  • 6836001 injury of brachial ple...

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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