United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I sustained a shoulder injury about 5 months ago in a motorcycle accident. They say I sustained a Rotator Cuff injury, labral tear and traumatic brachial plexus injury.
I recently had an EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies done. Both these tests came back normal. Despite this, the local upper extremities specialist told me this does not mean I dont have tbpi. Im still kind of confused about this. Anyone had the same test results or can offer perspective???

Michelle, that is wild! Do you have any movement at all? Or do you have movement, these normal test results, but are still being told you have tbpi?

Ellen

initially I had no movement or feeling in my while arm (first two months or so) but with intensive phsysiotherapy and time my movement has progress quite well, but far from full range. The therapist wondered if perhaps it was a severe stretch tbpi and now the ongoing problems are due to scar tissue during healing?! Its really confusing that no one can really tell me one way or the other about whats going on. I also know that EMGs can be wrong or inconclusive, and I know that my pain is nerve related somehow (shooting, burning, numbness, pins and needles etc) and the injury is more than just the RC and labral tear... but no tests are coming up conclusive (Xray, MRIs, NCS, EMG)...do other people have problems being accurately diagnosed?

Unfortunatley, yes, the tests are inconclusive - and the only way to know for sure is for your surgeon to go in & actually look at it. My son ended up with all five nerves avulsed, but the Mayo doctors thought there was a slight possibility of one not being avulsed. Their surgical plan covered both possibilities.

Since you are getting better and all your muscles are at least "working" (albeit weakly) you are free from the pressure of time to react within 6 months. I think your therapist is probably correct that it's due to a severe stretch or scar tissue. The stretch usually heals itself, but to my knowledge scar tissue would require surgery to clear out. (Hope I'm wrong about that, but maybe somebody else will know for sure.)

I'm sorry you're dealing with bpi pain. It's the pits - and I think most people would gladly give up movement if they could have relief from pain. For many, it gets better over time. And do see an experienced pain specialist if you haven't yet, because people react differently to different pain meds / dosages, and you want someone who can quickly figure out what works best for you.

Take care,

Ellen