Brachial plexus injury

The special case of deafferentation pain due to brachial plexus nerve root avulsion is best managed by surgery to lesion the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ procedure), since medications are not effective. The likelihood of deafferentation pain increases with severity of injury.

Routinely seen in significant brachial plexus injuries involving the C5 nerve root.

Joint dislocation

With major nerve injuries, there will usually be some persistent loss of function. In some cases overall functional impairment can be very significant.

Scoliosis is generally not seen unless significant brachial plexopathy occurs in growing children and adolescents.

Scoliosis

Generally not seen unless significant brachial plexopathy occurs in growing children and adolescents.

Agnosia can occur if total, severe injury to the brachial plexus occurs.

Injury to C5 nerve root paralyzes deltoid muscle, with consequent creation of imbalance with adductors of the arm, which then form contractures preventing passive abduction of the arm. Progressive contractures usually happen within months of injury occurrence.