Brachial plexopathy

Alternative names:

brachial plexus dysfunction; neuropathy - brachial plexus

Definition:

A condition involving decreased movement or sensation in the arm and shoulder caused by impaired function of the brachial plexus, a nerve area that affects the arm.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Brachial plexus dysfunction (brachial plexopathy) is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the brachial plexus, an area where the nerve from the spinal cord splits into the individual arm nerves.

Damage to the brachial plexus is usually related to direct trauma to the nerve, stretch injury (such as jerking of the arm), pressure caused by tumors in the area of the brachial plexus, and damage that results from radiation therapy (such as for lung cancer). It may be related to pressure caused by congenital abnormalities that affect the cervical ribs, tumors, or injury by toxins, chemicals, or drugs. In some cases, no cause can be identified (neuralgic amyotrophy). The mechanical factors (pressure) may be complicated by ischemia (lack of oxygen because of decreased blood flow) in the area.