Brachial Plexus
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand. Stretching, pressure, or injury can cause pain, weakness, or altered sensation.
About brachial plexus
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand. Stretching, pressure, or injury can cause pain, weakness, or altered sensation.
What can cause it?
Brachial plexus symptoms may follow stretching or compression from sports, falls, motor-vehicle injury, childbirth injury, inflammation, or a mass.
The severity ranges from a brief burner or stinger to major nerve disruption.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Burning or electric pain from the neck or shoulder
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Weakness or reduced movement
How clinicians find the cause
Evaluation includes neck, shoulder, arm, reflex, strength, sensation, pulse, and injury assessment. X-ray, MRI, nerve-conduction studies, electromyography, or specialist testing may be needed.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Minor stretch injuries may recover with rest and guided rehabilitation.
- 2
Persistent weakness, severe pain, or major trauma may require neurology, orthopedic, or peripheral-nerve specialist care.
- 3
Some nerve tears need surgical repair within a defined time window.
Supporting recovery
- Stop contact sports and heavy use until strength and sensation are normal and a clinician clears return.
- Protect numb skin from burns and cuts.
- Use a sling only as directed to avoid stiffness.
What to expect
Recovery depends on whether the nerves were mildly stretched, compressed, inflamed, torn, or separated. Minor injuries may improve over weeks to months with rehabilitation. Severe injuries can leave lasting weakness or loss of feeling and may require time-sensitive specialist treatment or surgery.
Possible complications
- Long-term weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation in the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Muscle wasting, joint stiffness, or contractures when movement remains limited
- Chronic nerve pain or accidental burns and injuries in areas with reduced feeling
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Major trauma, a cold or pale arm, loss of pulse, paralysis, severe neck pain, or trouble breathing needs emergency care.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Use proper sports technique and protective equipment.
- Strengthen the neck and shoulder under qualified guidance.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.