Brachial Plexus and Limb Paralysis Center

Specialized Care for Brachial Plexus Injuries and Upper Extremity Paralysis

At OrthoCarolina, our Brachial Plexus and Limb Paralysis Center provides advanced, multidisciplinary care for patients with brachial plexus injuries, peripheral nerve damage, and upper extremity paralysis affecting the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.

These complex nerve injuries can significantly impact movement, strength, and sensation. Our team specializes in restoring upper extremity function through advanced nerve reconstruction, tendon transfer surgery, microsurgical techniques, and coordinated rehabilitation.

As one of the only private practice brachial plexus specialty clinics in the United States, we provide nationally recognized expertise in both traumatic and birth-related nerve injuries.

What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or torn, leading to weakness, loss of sensation, or paralysis of the upper extremity.

Injuries range from temporary nerve dysfunction to complete loss of arm or hand function.

Symptoms of Brachial Plexus and Nerve Injuries

Patients with brachial plexus injuries may experience:

• Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Partial or complete arm paralysis
• Loss of sensation or numbness
• Burning or neuropathic nerve pain
• Inability to lift or control the arm
• Muscle atrophy or loss of muscle control
• Shoulder instability or dysfunction

Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial plexus and limb paralysis can result from a variety of conditions, including:

• Motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents
• Sports-related trauma or high-impact injury
• Falls or penetrating trauma
• Stretch injuries to the neck and shoulder
• Birth-related brachial plexus injuries
• Tumors or mass compression of nerves
• Cervical spine or shoulder trauma

Procedures

Treatment is highly individualized and depends on the severity, location, and timing of the nerve injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment

In select cases, nerve function may improve with non-operative care, including:

• Observation and diagnostic monitoring
• Occupational therapy
• Neuromuscular retraining
• Pain management for nerve-related pain
• Functional bracing and adaptive support

Surgical Treatment

When nerve recovery is limited or absent, advanced surgical reconstruction may be recommended:

• Nerve transfers to restore motor function
• Nerve grafting to repair damaged nerve pathways
• Tendon transfers to restore movement
• Free functional muscle transfer procedures
• Brachial plexus neurolysis (nerve decompression)
• Intraoperative nerve monitoring and microsurgery

These procedures are designed to restore movement, improve strength, reduce pain, and maximize functional recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from brachial plexus injury is a long-term process that often involves coordinated rehabilitation and therapy.

Our team works closely with physical therapists and occupational therapists to develop individualized recovery plans focused on:

• Regaining strength and movement
• Improving coordination and motor control
• Retraining nerve-muscle connections
• Managing nerve pain
• Supporting return to daily activities and wor
  Recovery timelines vary depending on injury severity and surgical intervention.

Make an Appointment

Patients may contact our team directly or request a consultation for evaluation. To make an appointment, email bpc@orthocarolina.com  

Early evaluation is important for determining the best treatment approach and optimizing recovery potential.

Recognition

Our physicians are internationally recognized leaders in brachial plexus and peripheral nerve surgery, contributing to advancements in:

• Peer-reviewed research in nerve reconstruction and upper extremity paralysis
• Development of advanced nerve transfer and reconstruction techniques
• Functional restoration surgery innovation
• National and international education in microsurgical approaches