FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION OF THE UPPER LIMB AFTER OBSTETRIC BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY: CASE STUDY

Abstract

Brachial plexus injury occurs when there is damage to the network of nerves responsible for innervating the upper limb, where symptoms include severe pain, muscle weakness or paralysis, loss of sensation and decreased reflexes in the arm, forearm or hand. This type of injury in babies, also known as obstetric brachial palsy (OBP), occurs mainly during childbirth due to excessive traction on the brachial plexus nerves when the baby's shoulder becomes trapped in the birth canal. The present study aims to evaluate the functional evolution and benefits of physical therapy in brachial plexus injury, aiming to improve mobility and independence in daily activities. The following descriptive, analytical and qualitative case study was carried out at the Physiotherapy Teaching Clinic at UNIG, containing a sample of a single patient diagnosed with Brachial Plexus Injury, and was carried out through the preparation, analysis and interpretation of data obtained through anamnesis and physical examination, with muscle stretching, proprioceptive training, joint mobilization, neuropsychomotor training, kinesiotherapy and simulation of ADLs, presenting significant results in the treatment of the child. It is concluded that this case study shows that continuous and individualized physiotherapy monitoring is essential in the management of brachial plexus injury, offering an effective and safe non-pharmacological approach.