What is a brachial plexus injury and what are the most common causes?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that travel from the head down the neck to the shoulder. Excessive pulling on the head or extension of the neck causes partial or full tearing of these nerves. Most brachial plexus injuries occur during difficult vaginal deliveries of newborn infants. Less commonly, the injury may occur from a sports injury or trauma such as an automobile accident.
