Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The most common mechanism of injury for a brachial plexus neurapraxia is lateral cervical flexion with contralateral shoulder depression. This type of injury typically occurs when there is a sudden, forceful lateral bending of the neck alongside a stretching or compression force affecting the brachial plexus. In this scenario, the nerves that comprise the brachial plexus can be stretched or compressed as they exit the spinal column, leading to transient impairment of function known as neurapraxia.

This mechanism is common in contact sports, such as football, where a player may get hit from one side while the neck is bent to the opposite side. The combination of lateral flexion (which strains the nerves) and depression of the opposite shoulder (which further stretches the nerves) creates a situation prone to nerve injury or dysfunction. Typically, this results in symptoms like weakness or numbness in the arm on the affected side, but the condition often resolves on its own with rest and proper management.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for athletic trainers and sports professionals in both prevention and management of brachial plexus injuries. Being aware of the common situations that can lead to this specific type of injury can help in implementing proper techniques and protective measures for athletes