Le Bonheur opens Brachial Plexus Clinic

Le Bonheur’s Neuroscience Institute recently launched its new Brachial Plexus Clinic. Led by Pediatric Neurologist Elena Caron, MD, the clinic sees patients who suffer from a brachial plexus injury and who have a limited range of motion in their arms or shoulders, have arm weakness or intense arm or shoulder pain.

The clinic is designed to help patients manage their condition through a variety of treatment options, including physical therapy, occupational therapy or surgery. Brachial plexus is a broad term that describes a group of nerves that branch from the spinal cord to the neck and travel down the arm. The nerves provide feeling in the arm and also control the muscles in the shoulder, elbow or wrist and hand.

Although brachial plexus injuries typically occur in neonates, an injury can occur at any age. Some common causes of brachial plexus injuries are trauma to a person’s shoulder or inflammation, said Caron. Minor brachial plexus injuries can heal within weeks but more serious injuries may require surgery. If left untreated, a brachial plexus injury can lead to permanent disability in the arm.

“A brachial plexus injury can leave you with a shorter arm, significant pain, decreased function in that limb,” Caron said. “The goal of neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery is to restore the best function possible and to eliminate any pain the patient may have.”

After diagnosis, a comprehensive treatment plan will be developed, which may include frequent follow-up appointments with physical and occupational therapists or, in more severe cases, surgery, Caron said.

The Brachial Plexus Clinic is held in conjunction with the Cerebral Palsy Clinic and meets twice a month.