Consider how fundamental two functioning arms and hands are to everything you do. From driving, eating, working, playing games and typing on the computer we rely on normal hand and arm function for pretty much everything we do.
The brachial plexus nerves are essential to normal hand, arm and shoulder movement. They exit the spine at the neck, travel under the collar bone where they divide several times and reach to the armpit where they turn into the nerves of the arm.
Are you at Risk for Brachial Plexus Nerve Damage?
Brachial plexus nerves are most often damaged in males between their 20’s and 50’s during high speed collisions. Many of these accidents happen during motorcycle crashes, when the rider is thrown from his bike.
In these types of accidents there are usually numerous serious injuries which take priority, and the brachial plexus nerves are not evaluated right away. A motorcycle injury victim often has head trauma and broken bones, may be on a ventilator or be heavily sedated. It’s not until he wakes up and tries to move his upper limbs when it becomes apparent that something is wrong.
The severity of the damage to the nerves, and at what point along brachial plexus the damage occurred, factors directly into the likelihood that one’s ability to move the arm will return. If the nerves are cut or over-stretched along their path, a variety of procedures can be performed by neurosurgeons to help the nerves start communicating with the muscles again. If the damage is right at the spine, with key nerves being pulled out of the spinal cord, recovery is less likely.
Getting an Attorney to Represent your Disability
Motorcycle accidents often cause many serious injuries that need long term treatment by specialists. After an injury, the law offices of Dr. Greg Vigna can help. Dr. Vigna works closely with leading medical experts around the country and is committed to best outcomes and highest quality of life after an accident. As your attorney he leverages both medical and legal expertise for the best life long outcome and highest compensation possible.
photo: CDC/ Sally Ezra
