Nerve Injury (C5-C6 Roots)
Overview
Plain-Language Overview
A Nerve Injury (C5-C6 Roots) affects the nerves that come from the neck and control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. This injury typically involves the brachial plexus, a network of nerves responsible for arm function. When these nerves are damaged, it can cause weakness, loss of sensation, and difficulty moving the shoulder and elbow. People may notice their arm hanging limply or have trouble lifting objects. This condition mainly impacts the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, leading to challenges in daily activities that require arm strength and coordination.
Clinical Definition
Nerve Injury (C5-C6 Roots) refers to damage to the upper roots of the brachial plexus, commonly caused by trauma such as shoulder dystocia during birth, motor vehicle accidents, or falls. The injury disrupts the motor and sensory fibers supplying the shoulder and upper arm, leading to characteristic clinical features like the Erb-Duchenne palsy pattern. This includes weakness of the deltoid, biceps, and brachialis muscles, and sensory loss over the lateral arm and forearm. The pathology involves either nerve root avulsion, rupture, or neuropraxia. This injury is significant because it impairs upper limb function and can result in permanent disability if not promptly diagnosed and managed.