United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My husband had a bad accident when a tree feel on him. He has a C-6 nerve damage and brachial plexus injury. The tip of his thumb is extremely dry and turning yellow. Most of his left hand and arm are yellow. What does this mean? Would a steroid shot help build his shoulder muscle and help keep his arm in place? Any information would be helpful.

How long ago was his injury, and what is the level of injury to C6? Is it known to be avulsed or not?

Chris J.

He needs to see a tbpi specialist asap. My arm and hand went bright yellow after my accident and also grew massively, it looked like Arnie Schwartzenegger's arm! I was told it was as a result of massive internal bruising (I had 6 breaks in the arm) and it went down and the colour faded within a couple of weeks. Don't know how long ago your husbands accident was so this may not be the same thing. A specialist will be able to give you a better idea of the extent of the nerve damage and treatment options. Upper plexus injuries like this usually have a much better chance of recovery than lower plexus injuries, check your options. I have never heard of steroid injections to help muscle bulk in tbpi, and altho they are often offered for pain relief I have not yet spoken to anyone who got any pain relief from such an injection. Be careful, some steroids are neurotoxic.
btw, check the Roll Call post, this is the third tree injury I've heard of!
Good luck in your search for info:0) Jen NZ