United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have nerve avulsions C7-t1 and brachial plexus injury to my right arm. My arm and hand are in incredible pain except when I sleep. Who should I see for surgery and is their any hope for my right arm moving again,( I can flex my bicep and move my arm slightly in water when submersed.)?????

Hi Brian...where do you live? If you live in the UK I can recommend several surgeons, but if you are in the US, try looking at the medical resources pages on here to find a surgeon near you who has experience in treating adults with a traumatic injury. The link to the page is http://ubpn.org/medicalresources/us-bpi.html

Have you seen a Dr. about your arm? It's very important that you see someone who is experienced with adult injuries as soon as you can. It's hard to say at this point whether surgery will help, but you should at least try and find out all your options.

You didn't say in your post how long you have had this injury...the length of time since you were injured will determine what particular surgical treatment would be beneficial to you. You will get many more answers on here I am sure...everyone who posts here are very supportive. You will get loads of advice.

All the best

Lizzy B :0)

I was injured on january 15th in a snowmobile accident.

I was injured on january 15th in a snowmobile accident.

Welcome Brian! As Liz said, check the medical resource directory and PLEASE keep in mind that you might need to travel out of state for a doctor for this, most of us do! Please feel free to ask tons of questions as we have heard them all and are always willing to answer them again! We were all new to this injury at one point in time! Good luck and keep us posted!

COurt xx

Hi Brian, and welcome. Where do you live? There are excellent doctors all over, and most of us who post here have had experience with a good many. The advice to check out the medical resources section is excellent - but I'd also suggest you add the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN to your short list. They aren't listed yet in the directory so I didn't want you to miss them.

Assuming you have avulsed nerves (or damaged beyond stretching), you'll need surgery to get things moving. My teenage son had all five avulsed, and Mayo has moved nerves over, as well as two muscle/tendon transfers, to get his arm & hand moving again. Not only does he have the movement & return of some functionality, he now is basically pain-free (from massive daily amounts of meds a couple years ago) - only takes a Neurontin as needed but usually only once a week.

Did you have any other injuries from your accident that might limit the bpi surgeon's options? Are you doing any kind of physical therapy? It's great that you're doing some things in water - that's one of the best ways to keep things moving in a weighless environment.

Feel free to ask any questions you have. If you decide you might be interested in Mayo, John's 2nd surgery there was filmed by Discovery Health Channel for a special they did on Mayo - and I can send you a DVD (~15 min). It'll give you an idea about the Mayo doctors, as well as what's involved in muscle transfer surgery.

Take care,

Ellen

I live right outside of New York city.My accident happened Jan 15, 2005 due to a snow mobile accident. I have had various MRI's and a EMG which show signs of C7-T1 nerve avusion. I have no movement of my arm and hand. Little activity from bicep. I spent a total of 1 month in hospitals after my accident and saw a few neurologists during my stay. I spent close to 2 weeks in Mt Sinai in NYC under the care of Dr. Hausman. He recommends to do a nerve graft and fuse my shoulder. He indicated that I could potentially get limited movement of my arm and maybe grasp a little with my hand, best case scenario. I am now looking for other opinions and seeking out Dr Nath from Texas, Brachial plexus Institute as well as Dr Spinner in the Mayo clinic.
I am seeing Dr Nath tomorrow night as he will be in my area so I am looking forward to this.

I am looking for other peoples experiences with Doctors and results. Additionally, pain has become a big issue for me and look for advise on this as well. Trying to figure a better to address the pain so I can go back to work and operate.

Thanks for advise..

I live outside of New York City and I am willing to travel. I had other injuries to my right leg which required surgery but it is now healing. Had been in a wheelchair for 2 months so I had physical and occupational therapy in home. They just stopped the in house therapy this week as I just starting to walk again. These injuries will not preclude other surgeries to take place now.
Being new to this, I am looking for informatiom and advise. I would be very interested in muscle transfer surgery as none of the doctors I spoke to have brought this up. I am hungry for info and options. Until I stumbled upon this forum, I felt very alone and depressed. I would like for you to send me the DVD. I am trying to get into the Mayo clinic now.

Brian,
Sounds like you have some time on your hands. I would advise you to pick up a copy of the book " The Pain Cure". It will give you a ton of insight into what pain is and what helps to fight it. Its an easy read and only costs $15 at your local bookstore. Or you can order it online. Also take a look at the website "eatonhand.com" in your travels. It will help to get a handle on what muscles are fed by which nerves. Keep us posted on your visit with Dr Nath. Cheers...Karl...

Hi, I avulsed C7-T1 too. I haven't had any surgeries yet but I have seen lots of improvement. My accident was on Sept. 16, 04. I couldn't move my arm but now I have full range of motion. The only thing wrong now is my hand. Hoping a tendon transfer will help. I'm also in pain.

If you want to talk or anything, email or im me. I would be happy to answer your questions about anything, including the Mayo Clinic.

Let me know.

Kim.