Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyers in Illinois

Illinois Injury Lawyers Representing Victims of Brachial Plexus Injuries from Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, and Slip and Falls

What is a Brachial Plexus Injury?

Brachial plexus injuries are significant traumatic events that disrupt the intricate network of nerves responsible for motor and sensory functions of the upper limb. These injuries can lead to profound impairments, affecting an individual’s quality of life and functional independence. Understanding the epidemiology, mechanisms of injury, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and rehabilitation strategies is crucial for accident victims with brachial plexus injuries.

How Do Brachial Plexus Injuries Happen?

Brachial plexus injuries typically result from high-energy trauma that exerts excessive force on the nerve network extending from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. The primary mechanisms include:

• Car Accidents: Approximately 70% of brachial plexus injury cases are attributed to car accidents, with motorcycles or bicycles involved in 70% of these incidents.
• Falls and Sports Injuries: Trauma from falls or contact sports can lead to brachial plexus injuries, often due to a forceful widening of the angle between the neck and shoulder, resulting in nerve stretching or tearing.
• Penetrating Trauma: Gunshot wounds or sharp object injuries can directly damage the brachial plexus, leading to varying degrees of nerve impairment.
• Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury (OBPI): In babies, brachial plexus injuries can occur during childbirth, particularly in cases of shoulder dystocia or fetal macrosomia. According to Washington University, the incidence of OBPI has been estimated between 1.6 and 5.1 per 1,000 live births.

Statistics on Brachial Plexus Injuries

The incidence of brachial plexus injuries varies across different populations and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, and the nature of trauma.

• General Population: The estimated annual incidence of brachial plexus injuries in the general population ranges from 0.17 to 1.6 per 100,000 individuals.
• Multi-trauma Patients: According to studies, among multi-trauma victims, brachial plexus injuries affects slightly more than 1% of patients.
• High-Risk Activities: Motorcycle and snowmobile accidents carry especially high risks, with the incidence of brachia plexus injuries approaching 5% in these groups.
• Demographics: Brachial plexus injuries are more commonly observed in young adults, particularly males aged between 14 and 63 years, with 89% of cases occurring in males.

How Brachial Plexus Injuries are Diagnosed

Accurate diagnosis of a brachial plexus injury involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic studies:

• Clinical Examination: A thorough assessment of motor and sensory function helps localize the injury. Observing muscle atrophy, abnormal posturing, and testing reflexes provide valuable information.
• Electrodiagnostic Studies: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies assess the electrical activity of muscles and the integrity of nerve pathways, aiding in determining the severity and location of the injury.
• Imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) myelography can visualize nerve root avulsions, pseudomeningoceles, and other structural abnormalities.

Clinical Manifestations of a Brachial Plexus Injury

The presentation of a brachial plexus injury depends on the location and severity of the nerve damage:

• Upper Plexus Injuries (C5-C6): These injuries, often referred to as Erb’s palsy, lead to weakness in shoulder abduction, external rotation, and elbow flexion. The classic “waiter’s tip” posture—where the arm hangs by the side with internal rotation and the forearm pronated—is characteristic.
• Lower Plexus Injuries (C8-T1): Known as Klumpke’s palsy, these injuries affect the intrinsic muscles of the hand and the flexors of the wrist and fingers, resulting in a claw-hand deformity.
• Total Plexus Involvement: When all five nerves (C5-T1) are involved, there is a complete loss of movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. The prevalence of complete lesions has been reported as 53%, followed by upper plexus lesions at 39%, and lower plexus injuries at 6%.

Common Injuries Associated with Brachial Plexus Injuries

Research has shown that brachial plexus injuries often occur alongside other traumatic injuries:

• Head Injuries: Concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries can accompany brachial plexus injuries, especially in high-impact accidents.
• Thoracic Injuries: Rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, or injuries to major vessels in the chest are common injuries associated with brachial plexus injuries.
• Skeletal Injuries: Fractures or dislocations of the shoulder girdle and cervical spine frequently occur with brachial plexus injuries, complicating the clinical picture and management.

Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Management strategies for brachial plexus injuries depend on the type and severity of the injury:

• Non-Surgical Management: Mild injuries, such as neurapraxia (nerve stretching without tearing), may recover spontaneously over weeks to months. Physical therapy is essential to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength during recovery. Many brachial plexus injuries will heal without surgery over a period of weeks to months, especially if they’re mild.
• Surgical Intervention: Severe injuries, including nerve ruptures or avulsions, often require surgical repair such as nerve grafting, nerve transfers, or tendon transfers. The timing of surgery is crucial, with better outcomes observed when procedures are performed within 6 to 12 months post-injury.

Rehabilitation and Prognosis

• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation focuses on restoring movement, preventing joint stiffness, and maximizing functional recovery.
• Occupational Therapy: Patients learn adaptive techniques to compensate for permanent deficits.
• Prognosis: Recovery varies widely depending on the extent of nerve damage and the success of treatment. Some patients regain significant function, while others experience lifelong impairments.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Brachial Plexus Accident Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Brachial plexus injuries are complex and often debilitating, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for optimal recovery. Advances in microsurgery and rehabilitation have improved outcomes, but early diagnosis and timely intervention remain critical. Continued research into nerve regeneration and novel therapies holds promise for further advancements in treatment.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brachial plexus injury following a car accident, slip and fall, or other type of accident, consulting an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney is crucial. Brachial plexus accident victims deserve full compensation for their suffering. Contact our award-winning Illinois injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We will guide you through the injury process and help you get the compensation you deserve.