Brachial Plexus Injury in Neonates: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Approaches

Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) in neonates is a prevalent birth trauma characterized by damage to the brachial plexus nerves, typically resulting from excessive stretching during delivery. This review aims to elucidate the causes and risk factors associated with BPI, emphasize effective recovery exercises, and discuss treatment options that promote recovery in affected infants. Key causes include shoulder dystocia, assisted deliveries, breech births, and larger fetal size. Early intervention with a combination of physical therapy, such as passive range of motion exercises, stretching, tactile stimulation, and proprioceptive training is crucial for enhancing recovery potential. While mild to moderate cases often demonstrate significant improvement, severe injuries may require surgical intervention. This review highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention, the variability of recovery timelines, and the need for ongoing research to optimize rehabilitation strategies for neonates with BPI. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of BPI's etiology and treatment approaches can significantly improve outcomes for affected infants and their families.