Brachial Plexus Injury Services

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the bones in your neck into your arms. There are a lot of connections between these nerves, which, when injured, can cause many problems from your shoulder down to your fingertips.

Treatment for brachial plexus injuries can include rest, exercise, and sometimes, surgery. Surgeries are performed by plastic surgeons to reconnect or replace damaged muscles, nerves, or tendons.

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What Are Brachial Plexus Injuries?

The brachial plexus is the network of nerves around your neck that sends signals from your spine to your shoulders, arms, and hands. Injury to the nerves of the brachial plexus occurs when they are cut, stretched, or compressed.

In severe cases, trauma or impact can completely tear the nerves away from the spinal cord, leaving your arm paralyzed.

Brachial plexus injuries are most common after serious injuries, such as car or motorcycle crashes, or gunshot wounds.

Newborn infants can also experience brachial plexus injuries during childbirth.

What Services Do We Offer for Brachial Plexus Injuries?

At UPMC, we offer several types of treatments for brachial plexus injuries. Some injuries heal on their own with time, exercises, and splints. Physical therapists can help you find the right exercises or splints.

For infants, observation, mild stretching, or wearing a splint can help with recovery.

If the injuries are severe and natural healing is unlikely, surgery can help restore function. These surgeries are usually performed by plastic surgeons because of the complex reconstructive techniques required.

These procedures include:

• Joint fusion — Putting joints into better position.
• Nerve repair — Reconnecting nerves, sometimes with grafts.
• Nerve transfers — Connecting less-important working nerves to injured ones.
• Tendon or muscle transfers — Moving less-important working tendons or muscles.

What Can I Expect?

If you suspect that you or your infant has a brachial plexus injury, set up an appointment with your family doctor or your child’s pediatrician right away. Serious brachial plexus injuries are more likely to heal properly if treated within six months of the injury.

Preparing for your visit

Bring all relevant health information and a list of medications you are taking.

When you arrive at the doctor, you can expect to answer questions about your/your infant’s health history, symptoms, and anything that could have resulted in trauma to the body.

During the visit

The doctor will perform a detailed physical exam and can order imaging tests to determine the location and severity of the injury.

You/your infant may have to undergo more than one imaging test, including:

• Angiogram — A procedure that uses x-rays and a contrast dye to visualize blood flow to the area.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans — A scan that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body in detail.
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies — Testing the health of the muscles and the nerves that control them.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — Imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs.
• Myelography — Imaging test using CT scans, x-rays, and contrast dyes to show the spinal cord structure.
• Observation at play — For infants, watching them use their arms will help determine a diagnosis.

Once your doctor has reviewed the information and imaging, they will make a formal diagnosis of the brachial plexus injury.

Nonsurgical treatment options

If the injury is mild or less severe, your doctor may prescribe:

• Exercises, which can be supervised by a physical therapist.
• Rest.
• Wearing an arm or shoulder brace.

If your baby is diagnosed with a mild brachial plexus injury, your support in their recovery will be crucial. Talk with your baby's doctor about therapy for stretching, occupational therapy, splints, and other advice for maintaining their range of motion.

Surgical treatment options

If you or your baby are diagnosed with a more severe brachial plexus injury, your doctor will discuss surgery options. Your care team will recommend the right microsurgery for your injury type.

Surgery often works best if performed within six months after injury to ensure the best possibility of full functioning and recovery.

Healing after these surgeries takes time, as nerves tend to heal slowly. While every brachial plexus injury is different, it may take up to two years before your arm is working properly again. For some, the injury is more permanent and may change the arm's functioning forever.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-06-16.