What Are the Treatments for Brachial Plexus Neuropathy?
Brachial plexus neuropathy, or brachial plexopathy, is caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves that branch from the spine into your arms, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). Symptoms include pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness in the hand, wrist or arm.
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Identification
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To diagnose brachial plexopathy, your doctor likely will perform a physical examination, as well as nerve conduction tests, electromyography (a test for nerves that control muscles), a nerve biopsy or an MRI.
Treatment
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The NLM reports that---for people without an obvious sign of injury---analgesics, braces, splints and/orphysical therapy may be recommended. More rarely, according to the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), corticosteroids may be used to treat the condition, if its root is inflammatory.
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Complications
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Some people with severe or advancing cases of brachial plexopathy may require surgery to alleviate the condition, reports the NLM.
Pain Management
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The pain of brachial plexopathy may be difficult to manage. According to Medline Plus, anti-seizure medications and tricyclic antidepressants may relieve some sufferers' pain.
Considerations
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It may take months to treat brachial plexopathy, reports the NLM, and some people may not recover fully from the condition.
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