Injuries to the brachial plexus

A synopsis of the assessment and treatment of injuries to the brachial plexus is given. There are two principal types of injury to the brachial plexus: one is due to violent trauma in the adult and the other is sustained during birth. Diagnosis is by anatomical knowledge plus imaging and laboratory investigations. Clinical signs and history-taking direct treatment. Referrals should be to an established Nerve Repair Centre once diagnosis has been confirmed. The best outcome follows early intervention.