Hi my name is Debbie, last Oct I was in a car accident, had a few problems with back and neck. I have had so many MRI s, xrays, cat scans. I have been told by a neurologist that I have brachial plexus. I had a nerve conduction study done because they thought it was carpel tunnel. I have been have numbness from my shoulder, under my arm, and down to my right hand for 3 months now. It really is making me nervous because this doctor told me there is nothing to do about it except sit it out and it may take up to a year to heal. the pain is nonstop all day and night. I find myself pulling my arm to my chest and raising my shoulder up to ease the pain. That last about 15 seconds and it comes back again. The doctor that performed the nerve study is not my favorite doctor, I have seen him before, years ago for neck pain I stopped going to him because he was not helping me at all. The neurologist I am seeing now is the chief of neurology at one of our hospitals in my town. He was suggested to me by a friend. I do like him but I am not sure I agree with him on this. When he called me he said the report that the doctor who gave me the test said it was not carpel tunnel. I did mention to the chief that I do not care for that doctor I have seen him before and I do not like him. The chief said well than in a couple months go to another neurologist for another nerve study in 2 months. This makes absolutely no sense to me. I am in constant pain and feel like no one is listening to me. I really do not know what to do next. One reason I am so concerned is that 15 yrs ago I hurt my back, went to see about 8 doctors, no one wanted to touch the problem well one doctor wanted to put me in a full body cast for a year. They are all nuts. I went to Johns Hopkins in MD. The chief of orthopedic said looking at all the paperwork & xrays the whole thing he said the doctors in my area are barbaric. I had the surgery performed there and have been great ever since. I need a spinal fusion. If you are wondering I live in Clarks Green Pa. the biggest town near me Scranton Pa. I would love to hear your feed back. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Debbie
Basically your neurologist is right when he says that you have to sit it out. The pain caused by Brachial Plexus injury is sometimes quite severe and may not respond to usual Medicines. Some medicines like gabapentin may help. You should discuss this with your neurologist