The baby s shoulder and elbow muscles are usually not affected. As with Erb s palsy, exercises, evaluation of function, and surgery are common in the baby s early months. Damage to the brachial plexus is most commonly caused by traumatic injury, but can also be due to local radiation treatments, such as for lung cancer, or pressure from tumors near the area. On occasion there is no identifiable cause. Sometimes these injuries resolve themselves over time.
Treatment includes pain relievers and physical therapy exercises.
If a tumor is present at the site or tests reveal an entrapped nerve, surgery may be necessary . This is an exposure of the entire brachial plexus. The patient s head is to the right and the arm is off to the left. This illustrates the complexity of the nerves that form the brachial plexus that allow for complete movement of our arm and hand. Thoracic outlet syndrome.