The brachial plexus is a network of nerves. These nerves conduct the signals sent from the brain to the shoulders, arms and hand. Individuals who have brachial plexus injuries have suffered damage to these nerves. Symptoms are illustrated by a limp or paralyzed arm. There is a definite lack of muscle control. This effects the arm, hand and wrist. There are 2 basic types of brachial plexus injuries. This is Erb-Duchenne palsy (Erb's palsy) and Dejerne-Klumpke palsy (Klumpke's palsy). In the former type, there is paralysis of the upper brachial plexus. The latter type of injury features paralysis of the lower brachial plexus. In both instances, the kind of brachial plexus injuries can result from a lack of proper medical attention during the birth. In fact, many brachial plexus injuries are preventable. They happen when the infant's shoulders are impacted during the delivery. As a result, the brachial plexus nerves are stretched or torn. This results in cerebral palsy. If the child suffers such birth trauma, look to a lawyer for help.