United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everybody,

I'm 22 and was injured in an automobile accident 2 days after this recent Christmas. I suffered a fractured shoulder and BPI as well as experienced brain trauma. Luckily, I'm recovering very well from the head injury, so my focus has finally gotten to my arm. I have use of my shoulder, elbow, and wrist, but cannot move any of my fingers in the left hand. I believe the EMG showed damage to my c5 nerves and above? I have an initial meeting with a Dr. Elkwood in New Jersey who does surgery on BPIs. I was very glad to come upon this site and see stories of the countless people who also suffer from BPIs.

I'm hoping that anyone out there can offer any insight possible, such as things that will help, stages I may go through, and anything else I may experience. Also, I'm wondering what my options and chances may be of eventually having the nerves regenerate of ir surgery has worked for people in this situation. I had a breakthrough today when I saw a flicker of movement in my pointer finger when I try and make a fist. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.


DB

You are fortunate that your injury to your arm is not as serious as it could be. It sounds like you have only stretched your nerves as opposed to avulsion(torn) and it also sounds like you might not need surgery, you might regain function over time which is a major plus. I am not trying to say that your injury is not severe or distressing, I am only trying to give you some hope where others have none. Good luck.
Brandon

Sorry you have to go through this. It's scary, but this forum is wonderful support.For BP injuries it's early days for you yet. Especially if you have a 'flicker'; that's how the regeneration starts.You have lots of time.

Our 18 year-old son was injured Aug.10, open fracture clavicle, BPI. Fingers more or less working and wrist partly. Nothing else, no shoulder, elbow, many muscles paralysed. By two months he had no change. EMG's on Oct.30 showed nothing that the local NS believed would resolve and he sched. him for surgery in December. At the end of November we went to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion, and they graded his biceps at a 2/5. No other signs of improvement on the EMG's.They sched a follow-up and possible 8-hour surgery for 8 weeks later. But by that time, 5 1/2 months out from the accident, all muscles but deltoid showed some recovery.

The docs will tell you that they prefer the nerves to heal on their own without surgical intervention if possible. Two of the 3 docs at the Mayo wanted to wait and see if the deltoid would resolve, so we went with the majority andcancelled the January surgery. We are due for follow-up on March 22, and possible nerve transfer then. Still hoping for deltoid to come back by then. Eric has been in physio 2-3 times a week since the beginning of September.
Hope this helps.

DB,
As the saying goes welcome to the club no one wants to join. But, so glad you found this site as you will find lots of support here. It sounds like maybe c8-t1 are the worst, I think those are the nerves for the hand function. The hard thing to remember is that nerves repair themselves at a rate of about 1 inch per month. So, being that it is your hand that is affected I think that having a flicker already sounds very good. My son's whole arm was limp, but he never lost use of the hand. We are now 15 mos post accident and everything continues to gain strength but not function yet. I don't remember exactly how long it took to see movement but it was several months. It is important that you do ROM exercises to keep things stretched. Also, if you are not seeing a PT or OT I think it is important that you get with one. Just remember that the healing process is very slow and gradual, but every little change will lift you up and keep you motivated. Glad you are seeing a BP dr. That is also important. Hope he can give you more insight. This injury is different in everyone and the recovery seems to vary for everyone also. Keep us posted and ask all the questions you need. Glad your TBI is healing so well, our son also had a bad TBI from which he is fairly well healed.
Sue

As frustrating as it maybe, hang in their. And yes, it sounds as though you over stretched the nerves. If that is the case be verry grateful no nerves were avulsed. Take care