Problems in the management of combined brachial plexus and spinal cord injuries

Despite the fact that spinal cord injury is rarely seen without other injuries, the association with brachial plexus lesions has been very infrequently reported. Eleven cases of such injuries are reported, six as a result of motorcycle accidents. The brachial plexus lesion is often overlooked because clinical attention is naturally directed to the spinal cord. The patient often is unable to give a coherent history due to head injury, and the paralysis may be thought to be due to the spinal cord lesion or the head injury. The brachial plexus lesion greatly complicates rehabilitation and requires attention to detail at all stages, preferably by rehabilitation teams experienced in this field.