United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

HI EVERYONE,
I AM IN MY 50'S AND WAS INJURED 7 WEEKS AGO, AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A TORN SUPRSPINATIS TENDON AND ACUTE MEDIAL CORD BRACHIAL PLEXOPATHY. (WHICH i BELIEVE IS JUST STRETCHED BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY OF THE NERVES). i DONT KNOW IF THAT IS A BAD THING OR NOT, THEY SAY IT WILL TAKE UP TO 1 1/2 YR TO RECOVER AND PROBABLY NOT EVER 100%.. PAIN IS UNBELIEVABLE IN SHOULDER, ARM HAND AND NECK. MY ARM FROM MY ELBOW AND LAST 3 FINGERS ARE NUMB BUT I CAN MOVE THEM. DOCTORS ARENT EXPLAINING VERY GOOD WHAT TO EXPECT. THEY HAVE ORDERED A NECK MRI NOW. IALREADY HAD A SHOULDER MRI. CAN ANYONE GIVE ME INFORMATION....I DID NOT HAVE A MOTORCYLE OR CAR ACCIDENT, I GOT MY INJURY FROM FALLING OFF A LADDER AND CATCHING MYSELF WITH ONE ARM AND REALLY JERKING IT. i HAVE SUCH EMPATHY FOR MOST OF YOU THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT.....I AM FEELING REALLY LUCKY, OR WILL THIS GET WORSE. I AM GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED AND SOMETIMES DEPRESSED BECAUSE EVERYONE THAT I TALK TO SEEMS TO HAVE THE REMEMDY FOR PULLED MUSCLE THEY GOT AT THE GYM OR DOING YARD WORK, ( THEY DONT UNDERSTAND THIS IS DIFFERENT)

THANKS

Hi Bren, so sorry you've joined us in this way. I don't know where you are located, you should try and see a specialist if you can, it's not right that doctors are being vague about this. You can access a list of some specialists from the home page of this site under 'medical resources' -it's a little bit in the middle of the page (on my browser the button never comes up, just the words but it works ok).
The medial cord I think is connected to C8/T1-has anyone mentioned Horner's syndrome? If T1 is affected you might have this, it presents as a droopy eyelid and a pupil that does not dilate properly-check by putting your hands over your eyes for a while then taking them off and checking in a mirror-if you have Horner's the pupil on the side affected by the injury will still be small while the other side is large as expected by being in the dark.
The pain is probably the worst thing about the injury, mine was acute for about 3 months and although I still get spasms I understand this is because I have multiple avulsions (nerves torn from the spinal cord) . In the majority of cases the pain does subside in time-hang on in there! The good news is I have never heard of anyone getting worse.....do try and see a specialist, the fact that you have some use of your arm and hand is a very good sign, most stretch injuries do heal in time. You can minimise muscle wastage by physiotherapy which you need to do religiously, again, you need to get seen by a physio who knows what they are doing. If the therapy is carried out properly you can minimise any residual effects that may be left after the healing. I saw my PT three times a week for 2 years and was told to excercise at home several times a day every day as well, this is the norm for these injuries. I know you are in pain but the muscles soon tighten and will cause problems if you don't-those under the armpit are the worst, passive stretching by raising your arm above your head is what seems to help this, but as you are newly injured you need to speak to someone qualified, I wouldn't want you to do more damage. Time is of the essence with these muscle contractures, the small muscles in the hand can also be badly affected so passive stretching of the fingers can help too.
Please update us with your progress and take care of yourself-this must have been a terrible shock but you have come to a place where people understand how you feel right now-best wishes and good luck! Jen NZ

Hello and Welcome Brenda,

No people sure don't understand. If they cant see something wrong with you the think everything is just fine.

My accident was in 1991. I still have pain, some days are worse than others. The doctor said his plan was to give me a few more good days rather than all bad. For the most part we accomplished that.

My first question is: Where do you live? That is always helpful to know. There is a medical resource area on this site. Check it out for doctors in your area. If there is something more specific don't hesitate to ask. We are normally pretty good at offering ideas. If you want to ask anything privately just click on our names and you will get our email address.

Joy

Should have pasted this in my previous reply-it's about the Central Pain syndrome associated with serious bpi, but the pain levels seem to be the same in the early days even in stretch injuries. Print it out and give it to your friends-noone ever understands how this feels and try and tell you they had a neck/arm injury too and know how you feel......it's quite depressing at times! Remember, in most cases the shooting/crushing nerve pain will go away. http://tbpiukgroup.homestead.com/centralpainbpi.html

I am 2 1/2 years post a surgically caused BPI stretch injury. Your injury does not sound as bad as mine-- I had no use of the hand nor arm initially. It was limp and no sensations except pain!

The expected rate of nerve regeneration is 1/2 inch a month.
The good news in my case-- is that its is improving I have motion back in the arm and most fingers can clasp. Sensation still returning. I use several small "squeeze" balls ( soft tennis size- foam filled fabric covered-- I think they are called " splash balls") throughout the day to add to exercise and re-learning for the nerve.

I found the prescription NEUROTIN to be effective-- the "firings' were extremely painful.
Right now the " cold hand" sensation is bothersome-- so I wear a glove occasional-- if you extra-warm it the cold stops!

Physical therapy is extremely important to maintain the muscles until the usage comes back..
As noted above-- seek a specialist who can take your case.
good luck
Rita

Bren

Just been reading through your posting. My partner was injured in a car accident 4 weeks ago (he came through the back windscreen of a VW Golf). Apart from other injuries, he can't lift his arm but he is able to move his fingers a little (although they feel numb). In constant pain daily (shooting pains in arm and fingers and back-ache). Finding it very difficult to get any answers from doctors, he hasn't been officially diagnosed as having BPI - don't know where to go next or what to do.....
Wondering whether you have now got feeling back in the rest of your arm?