Peripheral nerve injury of the upper extremity commonly occurs in patients who participate in recreational (e.g., sports) and occupational activities. Nerve injury should be considered when a patient experiences pain, weakness, or paresthesias in the absence of a known bone, soft tissue, or vascular injury.
Brain injury occurs when the tissues of the brain suffer an acute injury that results in temporary, chronic, or permanent damage and/or dysfunction. The brain is a very sensitive organ subject to injury from a variety of insults. Some of the major causes of brain injury include trauma, lack of oxygen (hypoxic/anoxic injury), lack of blood flow (ischemia), infection, and metabolic disorders.
Finally, predicting long-term recovery from hypoxic-anoxic brain injury can be difficult. Full rehabilitation potential is not always apparent early on. Often, depending on the nature and extent of the injury, rehabilitation and improvement can continue over a period of months or years. Families should stay informed and involved.