Brachial
Plexus Injury (BPI) is a type of hand or arm paralysis. Brachial Plexus is a
very important nerve for the movement of our hands. This nerve provides somatic
motor and sensory innervations to the upper extremity, including the scapular
region. These injuries are caused by
excessive stretching, tearing, or other trauma to a network of nerves located
between the spine and the shoulder, arm, and hand. Symptoms may include a limp
or paralyzed arm and loss of muscle control or sensation in the arm, hand, or
wrist. Chronic pain is often a concern. Injuries often occur due to vehicular
accidents, sports mishaps, gunshot wounds, or surgeries; these injuries can
also happen during the birth process if a baby’s shoulders become impacted,
causing the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear.
The
treatment for these injuries includes occupational or physical therapy and, in
some cases, surgery. Some of these injuries may heal without treatment; many babies
improve or recover by three to four months of age. For avulsion (tears) and
rupture injuries, there is no potential for recovery unless surgical
reconnection is made in a timely manner.
The World Health Organization defines paralysis as a central nervous system disorder that results in difficulty or inability to move the upper or lower extremities. According to a study of over 70,000 households there are nearly 1 in 50 people living with paralysis over 5.3 million people. That means we all know someone living with paralysis. My only focus is to rescue the people from this deadly disease.