Social Support and Coping Strategies in Patients with Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury.

Patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury have similar levels of social support as healthy volunteers but are more likely to use an array of coping strategies. Surgeons and other clinicians should be aware of coping strategies favored by patients, particularly the potential for behaviors detrimental to recovery such as behavioral disengagement, self-blame, and denial. This work will inform future investigations into the influence of social support and coping strategies on clinical outcomes after traumatic brachial plexus injury.