+   +
Surgenesis Hospital

Brachial Plexus Injury Diagnosis: MRI, EMG & Nerve Tests Explained

Back to Blog
Brachial Plexus Injury Diagnosis: MRI, EMG & Nerve Tests Explained
Surgenesis Superspeciality Hospital 24 September 2026Brachial Plexus

Brachial Plexus Injury Diagnosis: MRI, EMG & Nerve Tests Explained

Brachial Plexus Injury Diagnosis: MRI, EMG & Nerve Tests Explained


A brachial plexus injury can affect the nerves responsible for movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, wrist and hand. These injuries may occur after road accidents, falls, sports injuries, shoulder trauma or during childbirth in cases of birth brachial plexus injury.


Because brachial plexus injuries can vary significantly in severity, an accurate diagnosis is essential before deciding on brachial plexus injury treatment or brachial plexus surgery.


Doctors may use a combination of a detailed clinical examination, MRI, EMG, nerve conduction studies and other nerve tests to determine where the injury is located, how severe it is and whether the nerve has the potential to recover.


At Surgenesis Superspeciality Hospital, Jaipur, patients with complex brachial plexus and peripheral nerve conditions can be evaluated by Dr. Amit Mittal, Director & Lead Hand Surgeon, MBBS, DNB (Orthopaedics), FNB (Hand & Microsurgery). The hospital has a dedicated Brachial Plexus Surgery department offering nerve reconstruction, nerve transfer and rehabilitation services.


What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that begins near the neck and travels through the shoulder into the arm and hand. These nerves carry signals that control movement and sensation in the upper limb.


An injury can occur when these nerves are:

  • Stretched
  • Compressed
  • Bruised
  • Torn
  • Severely damaged
  • Pulled away from the spinal cord, known as nerve root avulsion


Depending on the location and severity of the injury, a patient may experience:

  • Weakness in the shoulder or arm
  • Loss of arm movement
  • Difficulty bending the elbow
  • Weak grip
  • Numbness or altered sensation
  • Burning or nerve pain
  • Wrist or finger weakness
  • Wrist drop
  • Muscle wasting
  • Partial or complete paralysis


In newborns, parents may notice that one arm is not moving normally after birth. This can sometimes indicate a birth brachial plexus injury and should be assessed by an experienced specialist.


How Is a Brachial Plexus Injury Diagnosed?


Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. The doctor evaluates muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, range of motion and the pattern of weakness.


Additional investigations may then be recommended depending on the suspected location and severity of the injury.


The most commonly used tests include:

  1. MRI
  2. EMG
  3. Nerve conduction studies
  4. X-rays
  5. CT myelography in selected cases


No single test provides every piece of information. Doctors often interpret the results together with the patient's symptoms and physical examination.


MRI for Brachial Plexus Injury

An MRI for brachial plexus injury provides detailed images of the nerves and surrounding soft tissues.


MRI can help doctors assess:

  • The location of nerve damage
  • Structural abnormalities
  • Nerve continuity
  • Surrounding soft-tissue injuries
  • Possible nerve root involvement
  • Associated blood-vessel or shoulder injuries


Specialized imaging techniques such as MR neurography may provide additional information about peripheral nerves and the brachial plexus.


Why Is MRI Important Before Brachial Plexus Surgery?

Before considering brachial plexus surgery, the surgeon needs to understand the pattern of nerve injury.


MRI findings may help determine whether the injury appears suitable for:

  • Nerve repair
  • Nerve grafting
  • Nerve transfer surgery
  • Other reconstructive procedures
  • Non-surgical management and rehabilitation


However, MRI findings should not be interpreted in isolation. The clinical examination and electrodiagnostic tests may provide additional information.


What Is an EMG Test?

Electromyography (EMG) is an electrodiagnostic test used to evaluate the electrical activity of muscles.


During an EMG, a small needle electrode is placed into selected muscles. The electrical activity of the muscles is assessed both at rest and during contraction.


Changes in muscle electrical activity can provide information about whether the muscle is receiving appropriate nerve signals.


What Can EMG Tell You?


EMG may help a brachial plexus specialist understand:


  • Whether nerves are functioning normally
  • Which muscles are affected
  • Whether there is evidence of nerve damage
  • The distribution of nerve involvement
  • Whether there are signs of nerve recovery


EMG results are interpreted together with the patient's history, examination and other investigations.


What Is a Nerve Conduction Study?


A nerve conduction study (NCS) measures how electrical signals travel through a nerve.

Small electrical impulses are applied to the nerve, and electrodes measure the resulting response.


The test can provide information about:


  • How well the nerve conducts electrical signals
  • The speed of nerve conduction
  • The strength of the nerve response
  • The location and severity of certain nerve abnormalities


Nerve conduction studies are commonly performed alongside EMG as part of an electrodiagnostic evaluation.


MRI vs EMG vs Nerve Conduction Study

Test

What It Mainly Shows

MRI

Structural appearance of the brachial plexus and surrounding tissues

EMG

Electrical activity of muscles and evidence of nerve dysfunction

Nerve Conduction Study

How effectively electrical signals travel through nerves

Clinical Examination

Strength, sensation, reflexes and functional movement

X-ray

Associated bone injuries such as fractures

CT Myelography

Selected nerve-root/spinal-canal abnormalities when additional detail is needed

The tests are complementary rather than interchangeable. A brachial plexus surgeon may recommend one or several investigations depending on the suspected injury.


When Are These Tests Needed?


Testing may be recommended when a patient has symptoms such as:

  • Persistent arm weakness after an accident
  • Shoulder or elbow paralysis
  • Loss of sensation
  • Severe nerve pain
  • Wrist drop
  • Weak grip
  • Difficulty moving the fingers
  • Muscle wasting
  • A suspected nerve root injury
  • An infant with persistent weakness or reduced movement of one arm


In traumatic injuries, the timing of evaluation is important because treatment decisions can depend on the severity and type of nerve damage.


Diagnosing Birth Brachial Plexus Injury

A birth brachial plexus injury can occur around the time of delivery and may affect movement of the baby's shoulder, arm, wrist or hand.


Parents may notice:

  • One arm moving less than the other
  • The baby's arm remaining close to the body
  • Difficulty bending the elbow
  • Reduced shoulder movement
  • Weak hand or finger movement
  • Differences in muscle tone between the two arms


Not every baby with reduced arm movement requires surgery. Some nerve injuries improve with observation and appropriate physiotherapy.


However, if weakness persists or expected recovery does not occur, specialist evaluation is important.


For families searching for Birth Brachial Plexus Injury Rajasthan or Brachial Plexus Injury Treatment Rajasthan, early assessment can help determine the appropriate treatment pathway.


When Does a Brachial Plexus Injury Need Surgery?


Not every brachial plexus injury requires surgery.


Treatment depends on factors such as:

  • Type of nerve injury
  • Location of the injury
  • Severity
  • Age of the patient
  • Functional loss
  • Evidence of nerve recovery
  • Time since injury
  • Findings on MRI and electrodiagnostic testing


For some severe injuries, surgical reconstruction may be considered.


Possible procedures include:

Nerve Repair

If the damaged nerve ends can be directly reconnected without excessive tension, nerve repair may be considered.


Nerve Grafting

When there is a gap between damaged nerve ends, a nerve graft may be used to bridge the gap in selected cases.


Nerve Transfer Surgery

In some injuries, a functioning nerve or part of a nerve can be redirected to restore function to a damaged nerve. This is known as nerve transfer surgery.


Other Reconstructive Procedures

Depending on the injury and the patient's functional goals, additional reconstructive procedures may be considered.


The appropriate procedure can only be determined after a detailed specialist assessment.


Why Early Diagnosis Matters in Brachial Plexus Injuries


Brachial plexus nerves recover slowly, and the potential for meaningful functional recovery can depend on the severity and timing of treatment.


Early specialist assessment can help answer important questions:


  • Which nerves are injured?
  • Is the injury likely to recover?
  • Is there evidence of nerve continuity?
  • Is surgery required?
  • Could nerve transfer or nerve grafting be beneficial?
  • What rehabilitation will be required?


According to clinical guidance, severe brachial plexus injuries may benefit from timely surgical evaluation rather than prolonged delay when spontaneous recovery is unlikely.


Brachial Plexus Injury Treatment in Jaipur, Rajasthan


For patients looking for Brachial Plexus Injury Treatment Rajasthan, BPI Surgery Jaipur or a Brachial Plexus Hospital Rajasthan, Surgenesis Superspeciality Hospital in Jaipur provides specialized surgical care for brachial plexus and peripheral nerve conditions.


Surgenesis describes its Brachial Plexus department as providing nerve reconstruction, nerve transfer and rehabilitation, supported by its Hand Surgery & Microsurgery services.The hospital is NABH accredited and lists a dedicated BPI team involving surgeons, physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists. 


Dr. Amit Mittal – Brachial Plexus Specialist

Dr. Amit Mittal

Director & Lead Hand Surgeon

MBBS, DNB (Orthopaedics), FNB (Hand & Microsurgery)


Dr. Amit Mittal leads the surgical team at Surgenesis Hospital and specializes in hand microsurgery and complex reconstructive procedures. 


Patients seeking a Brachial Plexus Surgeon, Brachial Plexus Specialist or Best Brachial Plexus Surgeon in Rajasthan can consult a qualified specialist for individualized evaluation rather than choosing treatment based only on imaging reports.


Brachial Plexus Hospital in Jaipur


Surgenesis Superspeciality Hospital provides specialized surgical services in:

  • Brachial Plexus Surgery
  • Nerve Surgery
  • Hand Microsurgery
  • Nerve Reconstruction
  • Nerve Transfer Surgery
  • Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation


The hospital also provides critical care and postoperative support when clinically required.




Frequently Asked Questions


1. Which test is best for diagnosing a brachial plexus injury?


There is no single test that is best for every patient. MRI, EMG and nerve conduction studies provide different information and are often interpreted together with a physical and neurological examination.


2. Can an MRI detect a brachial plexus injury?

Yes. MRI can provide detailed images of the brachial plexus and surrounding structures and may help identify the location and extent of nerve damage.


3. What does EMG show in a brachial plexus injury?

EMG evaluates the electrical activity of muscles and can provide evidence of nerve dysfunction and affected muscles. It is generally interpreted alongside nerve conduction studies and clinical findings.


4. Is EMG painful?

Some patients experience temporary discomfort when the needle electrode is inserted, but the test is generally tolerated by most people.


5. Does every brachial plexus injury require surgery?

No. Some injuries may recover with observation and rehabilitation, while severe injuries may require surgical reconstruction.


6. Can a baby's brachial plexus injury recover without surgery?

Some birth brachial plexus injuries can improve naturally. However, persistent weakness or limited recovery should be assessed by a specialist to determine whether further treatment is required.


7. When should I see a brachial plexus specialist?

You should consider specialist evaluation if there is persistent weakness, paralysis, loss of sensation, wrist drop, severe nerve pain or reduced arm movement following trauma or childbirth.


Consult a Brachial Plexus Specialist in Jaipur


Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward appropriate brachial plexus injury treatment. MRI, EMG and nerve conduction studies can each provide valuable information, but the final treatment plan should be based on the complete clinical picture.


If you or your child has symptoms of a brachial plexus injury, consult an experienced specialist for an individual evaluation.


Surgenesis Superspeciality Hospital

B Block, 187 Heeranagar, Ajmer Road, Opposite Star Residency, DCM, Jaipur, Rajasthan – 302021

Phone: +91 63674 83221


Dr. Amit Mittal

Director & Lead Hand Surgeon

MBBS, DNB (Orthopaedics), FNB (Hand & Microsurgery)

Book a consultation with Surgenesis Hospital


Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Brachial plexus injuries can differ significantly between patients. The need for MRI, EMG, nerve conduction studies, surgery or rehabilitation should be determined by a qualified medical professional after an appropriate clinical evaluation.