Brachial Plexus Treatment
In New York and New Jersey
Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. Many children improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age. Treatment for brachial plexus injuries includes occupational or physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
The site and type of brachial plexus injury determine the prognosis. For avulsion and rupture injuries there generally is no potential for recovery unless surgical repair is completed in a timely manner. For neuroma and neuropraxia injuries, the potential for recovery varies. Many patients with neuropraxia injuries recover spontaneously. Click here for more information about these injuries.
Treatment Options
Surgery: Certain types of brachial plexus injuries respond well to neurosurgery and can significantly improve the functioning of the arm and hand. For maximum benefit, surgery is recommended between 5 and 12 months of age. In addition to early neurosurgery, there are other, later procedures that can be helpful. A neurosurgeon with experience in brachial plexus injuries will be able to describe the various options and their anticipated results.
Exercises/Physical Therapy: Parents of children with brachial plexus injuries need to be prepared to do daily exercises with their child to maintain movement in the muscles and joints. Unused, the muscles and joints tighten and stiffen, thus making existing problems worse.
An occupational or physical therapist can prescribe a series of exercises appropriate for the child’s particular injury and will teach the parents or caregivers how to facilitate the exercises. Range of motion exercises should be performed several times a day for the first few years of the child’s life.
This requires a big commitment on the part of the parent or caregiver, who may themselves want and need support. Many support agencies are available. For example, the Brachial Plexus Palsy Foundation provides helpful information on their web site that includes details about exercises and physical therapies. Additional support and information organizations are listed on our Resources and Links page.
At Trief & Olk, we have extensive experience in litigating a variety of birth injury cases. You are in safe and caring hands with our birth injury lawyers and we invite you to contact our office today for a free case evaluation. Trief & Olk proudly serves clients throughout New York and New Jersey.
