What is the prognosis (outlook) for brachial plexus injuries?

What is the prognosis (outlook) for brachial plexus injuries?

The prognosis (outlook) for brachial plexus injuries depends on several factors, including:

• The type and severity of nerve injury (avulsion, rupture or stretching).
• Which nerve(s) were damaged.
• If you had additional injuries.
• How soon you receive treatment after the injury.
• How well you commit to physical therapy and other recovery therapies.

For avulsion and rupture injuries, there’s generally no potential for muscle and function recovery unless you undergo surgical reconnection of your nerves in a timely manner.

Most people who have stretch injuries (neuropraxia) recover without surgery with a 90% to 100% return of nerve function.

Most babies who experience a brachial plexus injury at birth will fully recover within three to four months. Babies who don’t recover during this time have a poor outlook. In these cases, they may have a nerve avulsion.