Southern California Brachial Plexus Network (SCBPN)
3830 Valley Centre Dr. #705-144
San Diego, CA 92130
phone: (858) 354-5538
website: www.scbpn.com
MISSION STATEMENT
The Southern California Brachial Plexus Network (SCBPN), formerly known as San
Diego Brachial Plexus Network (SDBPN), is dedicated to helping those affected by
brachial plexus injuries by means of support, education, and resources. Our
mission is to support local, state, and national efforts to foster public
awareness of issues surrounding the brachial plexus injuries, also known as erbs
palsy, klumpkes, and middle trunk injury.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Co-Founders of SDBPN/SCBPN: Cathy Kanter, Past President of UBPN and Marcelle Karlin, OT
Director: Lisa Myers
LisaMyers@ColdwellBanker.com
Treasurer: Robert MacPhee robert@heartset.com
Fundraising Director: Kathy Maxwell katmax@san.rr.com
SDBPN has recently changed the name to Southern California Brachial Plexus
Network (SCBPN), effective as of January 2004
Internationally renowned BPI Specialist, Dr. Rahul K. Nath was nominated as one
of America's Top Doctors by (Castle Connelly Publishers, 1st ed.( and
only one named in Pediatric Brachial Management). Dr. Nath held evaluations at
Hilton Garden Inn in Carlsbad, CA on Friday, August 27th and at the picnic on
Saturday, August 28, 2004
at Oak Crest Park, Encinitas, CA
Mother's Day Luncheon and Art Exhibit
2004 was a great success with continuous support from our contributors. Special
thanks to Kelly's Restaurant in Long Beach, CA for providing lunch for the
guests.
MOTHERS DAY ART CONTEST for Children with BPI was held on May 2004
Theme "What Spring Means to Me..." was judged by Leslie Campbell Blade, the Art
Director from University of Cincinnati, Ohio
To view artwork, please click on Mother's Day Exhibits
Contact Connie Cannon at cc@conniecannonart.com 858-354-5538 for any questions regarding Mother's Day Art Exhibit Website.
Candid Pics
Brachial Plexus Injuries (BPI)
"BPI Collage II" Connie Cannon 2002 (Property of SCBPN)
What is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that run from the spinal column in the neck down to the fingers. The mildest form of this injury is when the nerves have been stretched. When the nerves are torn (ruptured) or pulled out of their spinal "socket" (avulsed), surgical intervention may be the only hope to regain function of the arm.
How Does a Brachial Plexus Injury Occur?
Brachial plexus injuries most often occur during the birthing process. Availability of brachial plexus statistics vary widely, but where figures are available the general consensus is that brachial plexus injuries occur in 2-5 out of 1000 births. Other causes of brachial plexus injuries include: automobile, motorcycle or boating accidents; sports injuries (known as “burners” or “stingers”); animal bites; gunshot or puncture wounds; as a result of specific medical treatments / procedures / and surgeries; or due to viral diseases.
Early Treatment & Assessment
See a Physical (PT) or Occupational (OT) therapist to learn how to do “Range of Motion” (ROM) exercises that you will on daily basis to keep the joints from becoming stiff. An on going therapy may be required. Choose a therapist that understands brachial plexus injuries and has experience at making splints. Research the resources for a Brachial Plexus Specialist. These are doctors who specialize in the treatment and repair of these types of injuries. Their expert assessment will define whether or not the injury is temporary or permanent and severe. Assessment may include tests such as EMG, nerve conduction tests and/or MRI.
Time Is Of The Essence
The brachial plexus nerves originate in the neck - in the cervical spine. They branch down the arm all the way to the fingertips. When the nerve is severely injured, it has to regrow from the neck, down the arm. Regeneration of nerves occurs at a slow rate of one inch or three centimeters per month. As they regenerate, movements of the muscles associated with that nerve would begin to appear. At first they will be very weak and the affected person will use gravity as a helper. As the muscles get fully innervated (connection from nerve to muscle established), they will gain strength and move without the assistance of gravity.
For an infant, a real turning point in the prognosis will be the presence or absence of biceps function at three months of age. The brachial plexus specialists worldwide agree that if the child does not have biceps function by that time, surgical repair is discussed.
If the injury is defined as severe, the time frame for surgical repair becomes a crucial factor for recovery. Within 12 to 18 months following the injury, the muscles that have not already been innervated (connected to nerves) will have atrophied to the point where innervations are no longer possible.
Southern California Brachial Plexus Network
The Southern California Brachial Plexus Network
(SCBPN) is comprised of individuals and families in Southern California who are
affected by this injury. SCBPN is dedicated to helping those affected by
brachial plexus injuries by means of support, education and resources. Our
mission is to foster public awareness of issues surrounding brachial plexus
injuries on a local, state and national level.
Any donations made payable to SCBPN is graciously accepted. Presently, SCBPN is
funded by private donations and we do not currently hold a non-profit status.
Thank You For Your Support & Participation!
Disclaimer: The information provided at any time by SCBPN, its volunteers or members is for educational purposes only. Please consult with trusted clinicians and professionals for medical and legal advice.
OTHER BPI WEBSITES
www.nbpepa.org
www.midwestbrachialplexus.org
www.drnathbrachialplexus.com
www.texaschildrenshospital.org
www.conniecannonart.com
Any questions in regards to the website, please contact Connie Cannon (Webmaster) at cc@conniecannonart.com