The Brachial Plexus is the name given to a network of nerves which functions by sending signals from the spinal cord to the upper extremities and facilitates normal functioning of the hands like movement, gripping, and grasping. Brachial Plexus injury is quite common in athletes who are involved in contact sports like rugby and football albeit such injuries are only minor.
Serious Brachial Plexus injury occurs as a result of a motor vehicle crash or a penetrating injury like a gunshot or a stab wound. During a Brachial Plexus injury these bunch of nerves get overstretched, compressed or in severe cases completely torn apart from the spinal cord. In some cases, even newborns can have a Brachial Plexus injury but this happens usually at the time of birth.
Certain tumors along the brachial plexus region can also cause compression of the brachial plexus causing Brachial Plexus Injury. A severe form of Brachial Plexus Injury can result in an inability to move the affected hand or feel any sensation. There may be partial or complete loss of function of the hand as a result of Brachial Plexus Injury.
Severe cases of Brachial Plexus Injury require surgery in the form nerve transfer to restore normal functioning of the hands. This article gives a brief overview of the time it requires to completely heal from a Brachial Plexus injury.
How Long Does It Take For Brachial Plexus Injury To Heal?
Brachial Plexus Injury normally takes quite a significant bit of time to heal as regeneration of nerves occurs extremely slowly approximately at a rate of 1 mm per day. It may not be a minimum of six months before the affected individual can see some improvement in the restoration of function.
Speedy recovery from Brachial Plexus Injury requires combined efforts from friends, family, and healthcare professionals in a coordinated manner. It also requires the patient to have a positive attitude during the recovery process of a Brachial Plexus Injury.
During recovery period, Brachial Plexus Injury patient will undergo aggressive physical and occupational therapy during which the patient will be taught how to use the hands to eat and do other activities of daily living like personal hygiene.
Physical therapy is aimed at preventing development of any stiffness or contractures due to lack of motion of the hands and fingers as a result of Brachial Plexus injury. Splinting or bracing can also be beneficial to prevent swelling and stiffness as a result of Brachial Plexus Injury.
The pain that ensues as a result of the injury can be controlled by pain medications. All in all, depending on the severity of the injury it may take up to a year or more for an individual to completely recover from a Brachial Plexus injury.
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