Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is an umbrella term for a variety of conditions impacting the brachial plexus nerve network. In this article, we’ll define the term “brachial plexus injury” and explain how it relates to birth injury law. 

Key Takeaways

• A brachial plexus injury is a condition impairing the function of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the neck and upper limbs
• Brachial plexus injuries can cause loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and paralysis
• Causes of brachial plexus injuries include stab wounds, blunt trauma, neuropathy, and more
• Treatments for brachial plexus injuries include physical therapy, neurolysis, nerve grafts, and more
• Three in every 1,000 live births leads to a brachial plexus injury to the baby
• Brachial plexus injuries to babies are often caused by preventable mistakes on the part of medical professionals, a form of medical malpractice

What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI)?

A brachial plexus injury is an injury to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves originating from the neck region and branching off to control most of the movement and sensation in the upper limbs. 

Brachial plexus injury is an umbrella term for a variety of conditions impairing the function of the brachial plexus resulting in loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or even paralysis to some or all of the muscles of the shoulder and upper limb. The degree of impairment and potential for recovery of a brachial plexus injury depends on its complexity, type, and mechanism. 

Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Most brachial plexus injuries are caused by physical trauma caused by things like:

• High-speed vehicular accidents, especially motorcycle accidents
• Blunt trauma
• Stab wounds
• Gunshot wounds
• Inflammatory processes
• Compression caused by a growing tumor
• Neuropathies

Brachial plexus injuries also occur in three out of every thousand live births. When a baby’s shoulder is impacted on the pubic bone during delivery, it can cause the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear. This can lead to conditions such as Erb’s palsy and Klumpke's palsy. 

Treatment for Brachial Plexus Injuries

Treatment for brachial plexus injury depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, the type of injury, the length of time since the injury, and other existing conditions. Treatment options include:

• Physical therapy
• Neurolysis - A procedure that frees up the nerve from scar tissue
• Nerve graft -  A procedure in which the damaged part of the brachial plexus is removed and replaced with sections of nerves taken from other parts of the body
• Nerve transfer - A procedure in which a less important nerve that is still working is connected to a nerve that's more important but not working. 
• Muscle transfer - A procedure in which a less important muscle or tendon is removed from another part of the body such as the thigh and transferred to the arm, reconnecting the nerves and blood vessels supplying the muscle.

Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) and Birth Injury Law

Brachial plexus injury during childbirth is relatively rare and can be caused by a doctor pulling a stuck baby out of the birth canal, stretching out and damaging the nerves in the neck. If a doctor uses too much force on a baby and causes serious enough damage to the brachial plexus, it may be considered negligence. It is also negligent to notice signs of complicated labor but fail to perform a Cesarean section. 

If your baby suffered a preventable brachial plexus injury caused by a doctor’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. It is recommended that you speak to an experienced birth injury lawyer who will be able to help you navigate your legal case.