What to Expect

At the Brachial Plexus Clinic, many healthcare providers will come to see your child during the same visit. That way, you do not have to go to them in different clinics or on different days.

• You can expect to have some waiting time between providers throughout the day. It can be helpful to bring items to ease the wait for your child.
• For younger children, your child's healthcare team will need to examine your child's chest, shoulder and arm. We will ask you to undress your baby down to their diaper.
• It is helpful to bring a blanket with you so you can wrap your baby between exams. This is easier than putting their clothes on and taking them off several times.
• For older children, we suggest they wear a tank top or sports bra to make the exams easier.

Splinting and Surgery

• Some children who come to the clinic need a device to keep their shoulder and arm from moving (splint). Sometimes our occupational therapist can make the splint the same day. This means you may need to wait at the clinic while the splint is made.
• If your baby or toddler needs surgery for a brachial plexus problem, a special car seat may need to be ordered by the clinic. This is to ensure your child can ride safely in the car if a sling or a cast is needed.

For information on visiting Seattle Children's clinics, please see Your Child's Clinic Visit.