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Central nervous system
Central nervous system
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Brachial plexopathy

Definition:
Brachial plexopathy is decreased movement or sensation in the arm and shoulder, caused by impaired function of the brachial plexus (a nerve area that affects the arm).

Alternative Names:
Neuropathy - brachial plexus; Brachial plexus dysfunction

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 a nerve bundle 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 rapid jerking of the arm), pressure caused by tumors in the area of the brachial plexus and damage that results from radiation therapy (therapy for some forms of cancer, such as lung cancer).

It may be related to pressure caused by congenital abnormalities that affect the cervical ribs and can also sometimes be associated with exposure to toxins, chemicals, or drugs.

Rarely, it is caused by an inflammatory condition. In some cases, no cause can be identified. The mechanical factors (pressure) may be complicated by ischemia (lack of oxygen caused by decreased blood flow) in the area.



Review Date: 8/3/2002
Reviewed By: Lucas Restrepo, M.D., Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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