The Brachial Plexus is an intricate collection of nerves originating in the spinal cord at the neck and shoulder. These nerves supply the whole of the upper limb with movement and sensory perception. Any damage sustained through injury to this vital collection of nerves may have far reaching consequences and symptoms may include a limp or paralyzed arm, lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or
wrist, and lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand. Although injuries to the brachial plexus may be many and varied, they are usually classified into one or more of the following types of injury. Depending on the degree of injury to the nerve, scar tissue may cause a neuroma, which prevents the nerve from conducting signals to the muscles. Rupture
The nerve is torn but not where it attaches to the spinal cord. Avulsion
The nerve is torn from the spinal cord. This is the most severe type of injury. Throughout the U.K. and the rest of the world there are many hundreds of people who have a brachial plexus injury, usually the result of a traumatic experience such as a road traffic accident. Although these injuries are relatively rare, their effects and severity can be very wide ranging, from mild reduction in function or feeling in the arm, shoulder or hand to total paralysis of the upper limb. In every case, there is a great need for sympathetic understanding along with moral and practical support. The purpose of the group is to share support and information with adults with a TBPI and their families who are trying to cope with the effects of these injuries, and to achieve a better understanding of their potentially life altering impact. At first, most people who have these injuries feel isolated and alone, unaware that our group exists. This page has been compiled with this in mind by people who have a TBPI and who are more than willing to listen, share experiences and help to solve common problems such as going back to work, driving and resuming sporting activities, to name but a few.
