Wisconsin BPI Connection

We hope you enjoy your visit.  This Web site was created to offer support, information, interaction among families caregivers relating to
Brachial Plexus/Erb'sPalsy.

Brachial Plexus Palsy, also referred to as Erb's Palsy, is a condition that affects the nerves that control the muscles in the arm and hand.

Possible Symptoms:
-a limp or paralyzed arm
-lack of muscle control in the arm
-a decrease of sensation in the arm or hand

Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries
The injury may involve one or more nerves of the brachial plexus.

The Brachial Plexus is located on the right and left side of your neck, between the neck and shoulder area.
It is a group of nerves that run from the spinal cord through the arm to the wrist and hand.

The nerves of the brachial plexus can be injured in four different ways.
These four different injuries are:

1. Avulsion: the nerve is completely torn away from the spine.

2. Rupture: the nerve is completely torn, but not where it attaches to the spine.

3. Praxis/Stretch: the nerve is injured/damaged, but is not torn. This type of injury may heal on its own.

4. Neuroma: scar tissue has developed around the nerve as it heals. The nerve cannot conduct signals from the spine to the arm/hand, because of the pressure put on the nerve by the scar.

Injuries can limit one's ability to perform various movements, such as but not limited to reaching over the head, straightening the arm, grasping objects, etc.