ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Brachial plexus

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Brachial plexus

Definition

The brachial plexus is a group of spinal nerves that run from the lower neck and upper shoulder area. These nerves allow the arm, forearm, and hand to move and feel things.

Information

Damage to the brachial plexus nerves can cause muscle and sensation problems. Symptoms may include loss of feeling or sensation in your arm or hand, trouble moving your arm, or a lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 242.

Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2002:546.


Brachial plexus

Review Date: 3/5/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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