Specialist Physician for Brachial Plexus
O Dr. Thomas Marcolini é o Médico Especialista Neurocirurgião para plexo braquial e demais patologias dos nervos periféricos. Unimos equipamentos de alta tecnologia a grande expertise profissional, para proporcionar diagnósticos e tratamentos precisos e eficazes. Nunca deixando de lado o tratamento Humanizado.
Dr. Thomas Marcolini - Médico especialista para Plexo Braquial
Dr. Thomas Marcolini is a specialist physician focusing on the Brachial Plexus. He graduated in medicine from the Regional University Foundation of Blumenau - FURB, one of the leading medical universities in the country. He completed his residency in Neurosurgery at Mackenzie Hospital in Curitiba, where he was invited to become a neurosurgery preceptor. At the end of this residency, he began a Peripheral Nerve Fellowship, dedicating himself exclusively to the area of Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Surgery. In recognition of the excellent work he has been performing, Dr. Thomas currently serves as Coordinator of the Specialty focusing on Peripheral Nerves and Brachial Plexus, Preceptor of the Neurosurgery Residency Program, and as a member of the neurosurgery clinical staff at N. Sra. das Graças Hospital and N. Sra. do Pilar Hospital in Curitiba/PR. He has lectured in several countries and is now a national reference in adult and pediatric Brachial Plexus Injuries.
Plexo Braquial
The brachial plexus is formed by nerves that exit the neck and extend towards the hand, arm, and shoulder. They originate from the nerve roots of the spinal cord (C5-T1) in the neck, creating a network that connects and continues towards your hand. These nerves control the movements of your fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders, allowing you to raise your arm, type on a keyboard, or throw a ball. The nerves of the brachial plexus extend to the skin, being responsible for its sensitivity and the sensation of pain.
O que é lesão do plexo braquial traumática?
Traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBP) is the cutting, compression, rupture, or avulsion of the nerves as they exit the neck, caused in the vast majority of cases by car accidents. It occurs mainly during sudden motorcycle stops. Traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBP) are debilitating and lead to loss of arm strength, sensation, and very intense pain, causing a major impact on quality of life. Correct treatment is crucial during this difficult time.
Types of brachial plexus injuries
As lesões do plexo braquial são categorizadas de acordo com a forma que os nervos são danificados e sua gravidade.
Brachial Plexus Neuropraxia (Strain)
Also called brachial plexus strain (neuropraxia), it occurs when the nerves are stretched to the point of injury, but do not rupture. In this case, you will see improvement in movement within the first few days to weeks.
Brachial Plexus Rupture
In a brachial plexus rupture, vigorous stretching causes the nerve to tear, partially or completely. This is a more serious injury than neuropraxia. Ruptures can cause weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand. These injuries can also be associated with more intense pain.
Neuroma do Plexo Braquial
A brachial plexus neuroma occurs when nerve tissue is damaged; scar tissue can form as the nerve attempts to repair itself. This scar tissue is called a neuroma and can result in a painful knot in one of the nerves of the brachial plexus.
Brachial Plexus Avulsion
Brachial plexus avulsion is the most severe form of injury, occurring when the nerve root is completely separated from the spinal cord. This injury is caused by high-impact accidents and always requires early surgery.
Quais as causas de lesões do plexo braquial?
The main causes of brachial plexus injuries include:
- Blunt trauma (motorcycle accident);
- Sports injuries;
- Gunshot wounds where the projectile ruptures or hits the nerves;
- Iatrogenic surgical injury;
- Tumor que invade o plexo braquial;
- Radioterapia (tratamento com radiação danifica os nervos).
What are the symptoms of a brachial plexus injury?
Os sintomas de lesão do plexo braquial variam de acordo com a localidade e a complexidade da lesão. Contudo, os principais sintomas são dormência ou perda de sensibilidade na mão ou braço, incapacidade de controlar ou mover o ombro, braço, pulso ou mão já de imediato. Com o tempo, o braço fica aparentemente pendurado (subluxado). Além disso após alguns dias, surgem queimações, ardências ou dores intensas e repentinas.
How is the diagnosis made?
O diagnóstico de lesão do plexo braquial é realizado através de alguns testes realizados pelo especialista com foco em plexo braquial, além de exames de imagem da área do pescoço e ombro para identificar os nervos que foram lesionados. Como principal exemplo temos a ressonância magnética. Além desse, a eletroneuromiografia é um bom exame para avaliar a melhora do paciente, nesse exame utiliza-se eletrodos de agulha para determinar a função nervosa e a atividade elétrica, incluindo um estudo de condução nervosa e eletromiograma.
Tratamentos para lesão de plexo braquial
Treatment for brachial plexus injury varies depending on the type and complexity of the injury. We offer a leading brachial plexus specialist in this type of treatment. Dr. Thomas Marcolini explains a little about the subject below.
Non-surgical treatment
Em casos de baixa complexidade com melhora completa nos primeiros dias, a fisioterapia somente pode ser satisfatória. Asocciada a medicações para controle da dor.
Brachial plexus microsurgery
Em casos de pacientes com alta complexidade, com ruptura, avulsão ou estiramento grave, o paciente deve ser submetido a microcirurgia do plexo braquial para melhora da força e sensibilidade. O tratamento quanto mais precocemente realizado, melhor resultados apresentará.
Acompanhamento
Dr. Thomas Marcolini provides specialized follow-up for each patient, aiming to monitor the progression of their condition and schedule the optimal surgical timing. We offer in-person consultations or telehealth appointments from anywhere in Brazil. During the follow-up period, the patient will have regular check-ups.
Quais são os efeitos a longo prazo da lesão de plexo braquial?
Os efeitos a longo prazo da lesão do plexo braquial quando não tratada são deficiência motora definitiva, sem recuperação. A cirurgia precoce ajuda a reinervar o músculo ainda existente e sadio. Além da força, a falta de sensibilidade e a dor neuropática crônica comprometem seriamente a saúde e a qualidade de vida do paciente. A cirurgia precoce permite maior recuperação.
O que oferecemos no tratamento da Lesão do Plexo Braquial?
A equipe do médico especialista para lesão de plexo braquial, Dr. Thomas Marcolini, oferece tratamento especializado para pacientes que buscam atendimento humanizado e tecnologia de ponta para tratar patologias que acometem os nervos do braço. Atualmente nos dedicamos a esse tipo de lesão e portanto temos familiaridade nesse tipo de tratamento.
"The most important thing is to offer you the quality of life you deserve after a Brachial Plexus Injury. I hope this information has helped you in some way. We also hope to be able to help you through our medical services; feel welcome! If you have any questions or would like an evaluation, feel free to schedule an appointment with us." - Dr. Thomas Marcolini.
Would you like to learn stretches for brachial plexus injuries? Click here!
Would you like a more detailed guide on brachial plexus injuries? Click here!
Physician specializing exclusively in Brachial Plexus Injuries
Neurosurgeon Dr. Thomas Marcolini has a large team of highly qualified specialists dedicated exclusively to brachial plexus pathologies, aiming to restore patients' health and quality of life through minimally invasive techniques and compassionate care. We currently receive patients from all over Brazil.
