Brachial plexus: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Brachial plexus

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Brachial plexus

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

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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.

References

Hammerstad JP. Strength and reflexes. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 15.

Update Date: 2/22/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc

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