Brachioplexus Palsy - Birth Injury

Brachioplexus Palsy is a complication of vaginal delivery, commonly caused by the birth injury, shoulder dystocia.

Complications of Brachioplexus Palsy

The Brachial Plexus, a group of nerves running from the spinal cord through the arm to the wrist and the hand. Injuries such as Brachial Plexus Palsy, also known as Erb's Palsy, are results of shoulder dystocia, a preventable birth injury that is strains the nerves traveling through the neck. These birth injuries damage the nerves that control these hand and arm muscles.

Examples of Brachioplexus Palsy

Decrease in sensation in the arm or hand
No muscle control or feeling in the arm or hand
Ability to move arms, but little movement in wrist and hand
Ability to use hands, but no use of shoulder or elbow
Paralysis in arm and limp, hanging fingers
Facial paralysis on affected side Inability to sit up without assistance
Limp or paralyzed arm
Lack of muscle control in arm

Brachioplexus Palsy Warning Signs

Brachioplexus warning signs include a type of diabetes known as "gestational diabetes", overweight or obese mothers, women with a smaller than normal pelvis women with a history of birthing large babies and pregnancy that goes beyond term. Women with these symptoms are at risk of having a baby suffering from Brachioplexus Palsy.

Preventing Brachioplexus Palsy

Doctors and obstetricians can prevent Brachioplexus palsy by anticipating these early warning signs, and taking steps to keep the injury from happening. Even if the birth injury wasn't anticipated, the obstetrician should know how to prevent the injury. If the injury does occur, it could be a result of medical negligence or malpractice.

If your baby sustaine a birth injury causing Brachial Plexus Palsy, you should pursue legal action.