Often brachial plexitis confused with neuralgia, but its main feature is the defeat of the nerve joint. The clinical picture of the disease depends on the area of spread of the inflammatory process.
The first sign is acute pain, when it appears, it is important to immediately go to the hospital. The neuropathologist will prescribe a comprehensive examination and, based on the established diagnosis, select a special treatment. Otherwise, the inflammatory process will lead to serious complications.
Record content:
- 1 General description of the disease
- 2 Reasons for development
- 3 Symptoms
- 4 Forms
- 5 Diagnosis
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6 Drug treatment
- 6.1 Means for external use
- 6.2 Means for internal use
- 7 Clinical guidelines
- 8 Treatment with exercise therapy
- 9 Possible complications of the disease
- 10 Video about plexite
General description of the disease
Brachial nerve plexitis (plexopathy) is an inflammatory process that affects the branches of the nerve plexus. Pathological changes can affect individual nerve bundles or spread along the entire nerve column from which impulses originate.
The risk category includes people of the age category from 20 to 60 years old. The main symptom of the disease is acute pain syndrome, which spreads throughout the arm, extending to the neck or collarbone.
Reasons for development
Brachial nerve plexitis in most cases is a secondary disease, which appears against the background of certain disorders in the joint area:
- injury or damage to the shoulder;
- damage to the musculoskeletal system;
- congenital anomalies in the development of the spine;
- birth injury;
- infectious or viral damage to the body, which leads to an increase in lymph nodes;
- poisoning with chemicals or poisons that have a negative effect on nerve cells;
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- malignant processes;
- prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, which led to a pinched nerve;
- microtrauma of the shoulder joint;
- hypothermia of the body;
- surgery in the shoulder area;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- endocrine diseases;
- forced position of the body or head, which leads to compression of the brachial nerve;
- diseases or curvature of the spinal column;
- damage to the lymph nodes.
Hyperabduction syndrome also contributes to the development of plexitis. A pathological condition characterized by strong pinching of the nerve bundle of the shoulder joint against the background of a sharp abduction of the shoulder.
The provoking factor is chronic diseases that negatively affect the condition of the cartilage, help to reduce the joint space and lead to pinching of nerve fibers.
Symptoms
Clinical signs of brachial nerve plexitis will help a neurologist or traumatologist to establish preliminary diagnosis, determine the area of the lesion and the degree of spread of the inflammatory process.
The disease is accompanied by the following characteristic symptoms:
- the sensitivity of the skin decreases;
- a severe pain syndrome appears that spreads to the neck and arm;
- the arm regularly grows numb from the side of the affected shoulder;
- swelling of soft tissues;
- blood circulation worsens;
- the patient feels cold;
- the skin in the affected area sometimes turns blue;
- worsening of the functioning of the hand from the side of the affected shoulder and fine motor skills;
- sweating of the palms increases;
- reflexes deteriorate, muscle weakness is observed.
Brachial nerve plexitis (treatment involves the use of complex methods after complete diagnostics) is accompanied by pain syndrome, which intensifies in the evening or after physical activity. As the inflammatory process progresses and in the absence of timely therapy, the painful sensations also become stronger.
Forms
Given the provoking factors, against the background of which the plexitis of the shoulder nerve, there is the following classification of inflammatory diseases:
- Traumatic. The disease occurs as a result of trauma or damage of various origins.
- Infectious and allergic. A form of plexitis that develops as the human body responds to a specific vaccine.
- Infectious. Pathological processes are provoked by an infection that develops in the human body.
- Dismetabolic. The cause of the pathological condition is impaired material exchange.
- Toxic. The disease is provoked by toxins that poison the human body for a long time.
- Compression ischemic. The nerve of the shoulder joint is compressed and blood circulation is impaired.
A traumatologist or orthopedist will help to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the form of plexitis. The specialist will prescribe a comprehensive examination and, taking into account its results, will select the most effective therapy regimen.
Depending on the location of the focus of the inflammatory process, plexitis of the shoulder joint is also classified as follows:
| Name | Description |
| Lower | The degenerative-inflammatory process affects the nerve endings in the lower part of the plexus of the shoulder joint. An accompanying clinical symptom is severe pain syndrome that spreads to the elbow and forearm. |
| Upper | The inflammation develops in the upper part of the shoulder joint, where the nerve plexuses are located. Painful sensations pass into the supraclavicular region. |
| Total | A person develops lower and upper brachial nerve plexitis at the same time. |
Each form, type or type of disease is accompanied by characteristic clinical symptoms. It is important to go to the hospital in a timely manner to prevent possible complications.
Diagnosis
Plexitis of the brachial nerve (treatment is selected by a neurologist or traumatologist, taking into account the results of the examination) requires a comprehensive diagnosis, since many pathological processes are accompanied by similar clinical symptoms. It is important to differentiate inflammation from neuralgia, radiculitis, syringomyelia, and diseases of the shoulder joint.
The survey includes the following activities:
| Name | Description |
| X-ray | Examination of the joint and surrounding tissues allows you to establish the size of the inflammation and the degree of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes. |
| Electromyography | Diagnostic method used to measure muscle strength. |
| Computed tomography (CT) | The most informative examinations that allow the doctor to identify damage to the nervous, muscle and connective tissue, establishing the degree of development of the inflammatory process. |
| Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | |
| General blood analysis | The development of plexitis of the shoulder joint is evidenced by altered blood parameters, indicating the presence of inflammation. |
| Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) | The examination helps to identify the localization of the pathological focus and the degree of its development. |
| Superficial neuromyography | A diagnostic method that allows you to assess the state and functioning of the nervous system, check the transmission of nerve impulses. |
The obtained examination results are necessary for a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis and draw up an effective treatment regimen. Additionally, the patient may need advice from other specialized specialists, taking into account the provoking cause of the disease (traumatologist, orthopedist, surgeon, gynecologist, urologist).
Drug treatment
Brachial nerve plexitis (treatment is carried out according to the scheme drawn up by a qualified specialist) requires an integrated approach. Therapy is carried out by a neurologist or traumatologist.
Its main goal is to eliminate painful sensations, restore blood circulation and normal functioning of the nerve joints in the shoulder joint. The therapy regimen also depends on the established cause, which provoked the development of pathological processes.
Means for external use
Treatment of plexitis of the brachial nerve begins with the fact that the damaged shoulder must be immobilized as much as possible using a special bandage or plaster splint.
After eliminating the acute inflammatory process, patients are prescribed special ointments and gels for external use:
| Name | Application | Contraindications |
| Fastum gel | The tool is used externally. Apply 3-5 cm of gel to the affected area of the shoulder and rub in with light massage movements 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment lasts 2 weeks. |
|
| Troxevasin | The gel is applied to the sore shoulder 2 times a day, in the morning and in the evening. The product is rubbed in with light massage movements until it is completely absorbed. |
|
| Lyoton | The medicine is applied to the affected area of the shoulder 3-10 cm 1-3 times a day. |
|
External agents have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, eliminate swelling and improve blood circulation in the affected area.
Means for internal use
Treatment of brachial nerve plexitis involves the use of special medications that reduce pain and improve blood circulation. It is important to strictly adhere to the compiled therapy regimen, since many drugs provoke side effects.
| Drug group | Name | Application |
| Pain relievers | Analgin, Oxadol | The medicine is taken orally after meals with plenty of water. The adult recommended dosage is 250-500 mg 2-3 times a day. The course of therapy lasts 5 days. |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | Indomethacin, Nimesulide | The drug is taken with food or after a meal. Adults are prescribed 25 mg 2-3 times a day. |
| Anticholinesterase substances | Kalimin, Neurin | Medicines improve neuromuscular transmission and are administered subcutaneously. The recommended adult dosage is 1–2 mg 1–2 times daily. |
| Medicines to improve blood flow | Complamin, Trental | The medicine is taken orally, preferably after meals. Adult patients are prescribed 0.5-1 g 2-3 times a day. |
| Muscle relaxants | Mydocalm | The drug normalizes muscle tone, enhances the effect of antispasmodics. It is taken after meals, by mouth, with a sufficient amount of liquid. The recommended dosage for an adult is 50-150 mg 2-3 times a day. The minimum course of therapy lasts 3 days. |
| Antispasmodics | Spazmalgon, No-Shpa |
Medicines relieve muscle spasm. The tablets are taken orally after meals with water. Adults are prescribed 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment lasts 5 days. |
| Antibacterial drugs | Amoxiclav, Augmentin | Drugs are prescribed for infectious lesions of the shoulder joint. The tablets are taken orally, previously diluted with water. Adults are prescribed 625 mg every 12 hours. The duration of therapy is 2 weeks. |
| Vasodilators | Pentoxifylline, Nicotinic acid | Medicines improve blood circulation in the affected area of the shoulder joint. Adults are prescribed 1-2 tablets 3 times a day. The course of treatment lasts 1-3 months. |
Additionally, the patient is prescribed vitamin complexes that help restore muscle tone by activating blood flow (Neurovitan, Milgamma).
Clinical guidelines
After complex treatment for patients with brachial nerve plexitis it is recommended to adhere to simple rules to prevent recurrence of the disease:
- Go swimming. Water reduces stress on the joint and is an excellent prevention of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Exercise in moderation. Exercise will help develop the joint. Exercise also improves the body's resistance to various diseases.
- It is important to eat right and replenish your body with vitamins, microelements. To do this, dilute the diet with fruits and vegetables, give preference to healthy products.
- Get rid of bad habits. In particular, this applies to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
Blockade - a method of treating brachial nerve plexitis
During the rehabilitation period, it is important to remember all the doctor's recommendations in order to prevent a recurrence of the disease and serious complications. Additionally, you can undergo physiotherapy, the procedures will enhance the effect of medications and help you recover faster. Patients are prescribed medicinal electrophoresis, massage, laser therapy, electromyostimulation and reflexology.
Treatment with exercise therapy
Shoulder plexitis (treatment begins after undergoing a complete diagnosis based on the results obtained) in complex therapy provides for the implementation by patients of therapeutic gymnastics.
Effective classes are selected by a physiotherapist, taking into account the patient's condition and the individual characteristics of his body. At first, the exercises should be performed under his supervision, then independently at home.
Therapeutic exercises for brachial nerve plexitis:
- You need to sit comfortably and straighten your shoulders well. In this position, bring the shoulder blades together and spread. The exercise should be performed 10-15 times with breaks.
- Being in an upright position, put the palms of the hands on the shoulders and bend them at the elbow. In this position, you should perform circular movements in different directions 10 times.
- Take an upright position, legs apart shoulder-width apart. Put your hands down. In this position, you should bend in different directions, while pulling your shoulder forward. Perform exercises 10-15 times.
- Become straight, feet shoulder width apart. Bend your arms at the elbows, put your palms on your shoulders. Tilt the body forward and the elbows as well, trying to reach the imaginary plane in front.
- Take an upright position. Stretch your arms forward, straighten your palms. It is necessary to make them rotate inward and outward. The exercise is performed 20 times.
It is important to do medical gymnastics slowly without increased stress. If painful sensations appear, it is necessary to stop classes and consult a doctor.
Possible complications of the disease
The consequences of plexitis of the brachial nerve arise as a result of the lack of timely and correctly selected therapy. Pathological processes progress, clinical symptoms intensify, causing severe discomfort to a person. The usual way of life is disturbed. Brachial nerve plexitis provokes the following complications:
| Name | Description |
| Amyotrophy | The pathological condition is characterized by a decrease in muscle mass. Over time, as the pathological processes progress, it is not only difficult for a person to move around, but also to breathe. |
| Joint contracture | A disease in which the mobility of the affected joint is thoroughly impaired. The patient is unable to fully flex or extend the limb. |
A complication of acute inflammation in the shoulder area can also be prolonged paralysis, limitation of motor functions and, ultimately, disability. The same goes for weakness in the arms and legs, decreased physical activity, disability.
A disease such as brachial nerve plexitis is not dangerous if you consult a doctor in a timely manner and undergo treatment. With a unilateral lesion, a person's ability to work is reduced. Bilateral plexitis makes him dependent on the people around him, since the functioning of both hands is reduced.
Therefore, it is important, when the first clinical signs appear, to undergo a comprehensive examination and begin treatment faster in order to prevent complications.
Video about plexite
Malysheva about brachial plexus plexitis:
