Brachial Plexus Injury

A brachial plexus injury affects the network of nerves that carries signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. During birth, these nerves can be stretched or torn, sometimes during a difficult delivery involving shoulder dystocia. Effects range from temporary weakness to lasting loss of movement or sensation. The diagnosis alone does not establish how the injury occurred. Delivery records, examinations, imaging, and specialist opinions may help answer that question.