United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Just wondering if there is anyone out there or if you know of anyone who specifically had an mri of the levels where the bpi injury happened to assess for possible spinal cord changes, disc changes, etc. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that so much pressure and force is exerted without also damaging more than just the nerves.

Any thoughts?

Thank you.

I know that the spinal cord also has some damage done to it. Dr. Nath has an MRI of a child (who I believe was a couple of months old at the time), and it clearly shows a difference in the spinal column at the site of the injury. I am not sure exactly what it shows. But I have heard that by other doctors as well, that there will be some evidence of the injury in the spinal cord. Naturally if a child has nerves torn out at the spinal column there will be more damage, than if they were torn down farther in the nerve. Unfortunately this injury seems to have a lot of secondary conditions that cause issues other than just the paralyzed arm. I have always wondered but no one seems to know for certain about damage to a nerve that goes to the ear. I have heard of a lot of children having issues with their ears on the affected side. Kyle has a smaller ear canal and no reflexes in his left (injured side) ear. Also have heard of children having chronic ear infections on the injured side. Can't seem to get anyone to do a study on the effects of BPI's and ear problems. Interesting though. I see it this way. This injury effects the whole body in some way.
Karrie

Kayla did have an MRI of the spine because she also has problems with the leg on the injured side. It did show spinal cord injury. I believe thinning of the spinal cord. At this point they are not sure what to do. She has alot of pain on the right side.
Angie

Angie,

That stinks! I am so sorry to hear that. I just spoke with my child's doctor and we will be doing a cervical spine MRI in combination with a shoulder MRI in the near future. I am anxious to see the findings and am deeply hoping that the cervical spine/spinal cord checks out okay, although after knowing what went on during the delivery I am a little worried about what we could find.

Do they think the changes will continue? What does thinning mean or what will it translate to? Can they even provide any information?

Three adult/obpi have damage at the exact same spots and spinal cord compression
Kath

I am not sure what all of it means. We will be seeing a new specialist very soon. I am actually waiting for a phone call today with her appointment. Her pedi. doctor is getting her in soon. He wants this person to see her before we go back to Houston on April 19th. I will let you know if I find out anything. Kayla has other health issues so this doctor is going to be looking at eveything including the spine. We do know she already has scoliosis.
Angie

Angie,
Thanks for sharing and I would love to hear more as you learn more. I am so sorry your precious daughter is having to deal with all of this....just so wrong and sad. I sure hope the appointment goes well and that she has the best care possible. Thanks again for sharing!