Brachial Plexopathy (Adult)

Brachial plexopathy refers to injury of the network of nerves going to the arm from the base of the neck, known as the brachial plexus.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Adult brachial plexopathy is most often caused by downward pressure on the shoulder, which stretches the nerves. This usually occurs while the neck is tilted away from that shoulder. A fracture of the collarbone may also lead to nerve injury. Other causes include infiltration by malignant cells, or radiation therapy.