HARRISBURG, Oct. 21, 2013 – The state Senate has unanimously passed a resolution marking “Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week in Pennsylvania,” state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione announced today.

“With greater knowledge and awareness of this type of injury, I hope we will be able to reduce the number of brachial plexus injuries that occur in the future,” Tartaglione said. “I hope individuals will obtain the medical assistance they need to live more satisfying, productive lives.”

Injuries to the brachial plexus are caused by severe trauma to the group of nerves that run from the shoulder to the fingertips. Frequent causes are vehicle-related collisions, certain medical procedures and complications during childbirth.  As many as five percent of all newborns suffer a brachial plexus injury, according to medical experts.

“Unfortunately, many individuals do not recognize the symptoms or medical conditions associated with brachial plexus injuries and, as a result, they fail to receive a prompt diagnosis and treatment,” Tartaglione said.

Tartaglione’s resolution marks Oct. 20 through Oct. 26 as “Brachial Plexus Awareness Week.”

For more information on brachial plexus injury, click here.