Erb's Palsy, also referred to as brachial palsy, is a condition that is typically caused from a nerve injury during birth. When an infant sustains an injury to the brachial plexus, this means that the nerves in their shoulder have been compromised. This is very similar to shoulder dystocia. Babies who are born larger than average are especially at risk for shoulder dystocia because their heads are able to be delivered normally, but one shoulder can get caught under the mother's pelvic bone and will then have to be moved and manipulated in attempt to free it. Shoulder dystocia typically occurs during deliver if there is any injury to the brachial plexus. The only things that doctors can to really avoid these type of injuries, is to be ready and prepared for any emergency during the delivery process.
Causes of Erb's Palsy
Did you know that 1 in every 1,000 babies are born with a brachial nerve injury? This condition arises out of nerve injury in the neck area, referred to as the brachial plexus. All the nerves in the neck are connected down to the nerves in the arm. These nerves help with motion, feeling and sense of touch in the hand, arm and the fingers. Damage to these nerves can sometimes be caused by several different complications during the delivery process including:
- The head and neck being pulled to the side as the shoulders exit the birth canal
- Pulling excessively on the shoulders as the baby comes out head first
- Having a breech birth where the arms are raised and are experiencing excessive pressure
Symptoms of Erb's Palsy
Erb's Palsy is distinctly recognizable by any weakness or paralysis in the arm. Cases are found with different levels of impairment and case where varying sections of the arm are affected. If the upper part of the arm is experiencing weakness or impairment, the condition is referred to as a brachial plexus injury. When the upper arm has difficulty moving and the lower arm has trouble rotating, then it is designated as Erb's Palsy. Lastly, when the condition is affecting the hand itself, then it is called Klumpke paralysis. Since these injuries are typically sustained during the delivery process, the symptoms of these conditions become apparent almost immediately after birth. Doctors find in Erb's Palsy cases that the affected arm will usually develop more slowly and it may even be smaller than the other.
Treatments for Erb's Palsy
If the injury that the infant sustained is a mild form, then Erb's Palsy could end up healing on its own eventually. Some treatments to help move the recovery and healing process along would include physical therapy, massages and range of motion therapy. This keeps the affected arm from becoming stiff and immobile. If the baby has a more severe case of Erb's Palsy then the doctor may suggest surgery once the baby reaches 3-6 months. The recovery process with this condition is on the slower side, it may take up to two years in order to see a full recovery and even then the affected arm may still be weaker than the other, with a more limited range of motion.
If you have noticed that you child has limited mobility in one arm and it is especially week, then you should seek out a medical opinion as soon as possible. This could mean that there is nerve damage and surgery may or may not be necessary. If you believe it was doctor or hospital medical malpractice that may have caused your child's injury, then do not hesitate to consult with the Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at our firm today!