Brachial plexus

>Avulsion, the most severe type, in which the nerve is torn from the spine; >Rupture, in which the nerve is torn but not at the spinal attachment; >Neuroma, in which the nerve has tried to heal itself but scar tissue has grown around the injury, putting pressure on the injured nerve and preventing the nerve from conducting signals to the muscles; and >Neurapraxia or stretch, in which the nerve has been damaged but not torn.

Neurapraxia is the most common type of brachial plexus injury.

</LI></OL> Treatment depends on the site and type of injury to the brachial plexus and may includes occupational and physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.

Certain brachial plexus injuries heal on their own.

Children may improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age.

The prognosis similarly depends on the site and type of brachial plexus injury determine the prognosis.

For avulsion and rupture injuries there is no potential for recovery unless surgical reconnection is made in a timely manner.

For neuroma and neurapraxia injuries the potential for recovery varies.

Most patients with neurapraxia injuries recover spontaneously with a 90-100% return of function.