title: Brachial plexus injury as a complication after nerve block or vessel puncture.
abstract: Brachial plexus injury is a potential complication of a brachial plexus block or vessel puncture. It results from direct needle trauma, neurotoxicity of injection agents and hematoma formation. The neurological presentation may range from minor transient pain to severe sensory disturbance or motor loss with poor recovery. The management includes conservative treatment and surgical exploration. Especially if a hematoma forms, it should be removed promptly. Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and adept skills are crucial to avoid nerve injuries. Whenever possible, the patient should not be heavily sedated and should be encouraged to immediately inform the doctor of any experience of numbness/paresthesia during the nerve block or vessel puncture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Young
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea.
authors.forename: Yun Suk
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Choi
keywords: brachial plexus; brachial plexus neuropathies; nerve block; subclavian vein