What Is Erbs Palsy?

Erbs Palsy is a birth injury suffered when a child suffers a traumatic stretching of the brachial plexus during delivery. Birth injury statistics show that there is a brachial plexus injury every 500 to 1000 births. Erbs Palsy is one of a group of Brachial Plexus injuries, which include Brachial Plexus Palsy, Klumpke's Palsy and Shoulder Dystocia.

Causes of Erb's Palsy

There are four types of nerve injuries suffered during delivery that can result in a brachial plexus injury. When the nerve is torn from the spine during birth, the injury is called an avulsion. An avulsion is an extremely serious birth injury. Another nerve injury is a rupture, where the nerve tears, but stays attached to the spine. When the nerve attempts to heal itself after being torn, a neuroma can form. A neuroma is scar tissue that exerts pressure on the nerve, causing paralysis. The best case scenario for a brachial plexus injury is when the injury is a praxis, or when the nerve does not tear and heals by itself within three months of the birth injury. Erb's palsy injuries usually occur from a doctor exerting pressure on the abdomen during delivery, exerting excessive force or traction on the head during delivery, or improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors.

Prevention of Erbs Palsy

Obstetricians can often prevent erbs palsy by watching for common risk factors such as the mother suffering from diabetes, excessive weight gain, or obesity. Other risk factors include a mother with a small pelvis, one who's previous child was large at birth, or a woman in post term pregnancy.

The physician should also be extremely careful with the baby's head and neck during delivery. Excessive force on the head or neck is a major cause of Erb's Palsy. Even in the event of complications, the doctor should be able to prevent the injury in most cases. If Erb's Palsy does occur, medical negligence could be to blame.

Symptoms of Erb's Palsy

The symptoms of Erb's palsy are paralysis or lack of muscle control in the baby's arm or hand. The arm will appear limp with little or no movement with the hand rotating inward. Decrease in sensation in the arm or hand, the ability to move arms, but little movement in wrist and hand, the ability to use hands, but no use of shoulder or elbow, limp, hanging fingers, facial paralysis on the affected side, the inability to sit up without assistance. Long term effects of Erb's Palsy include the patient not being able to lift their arm above their head, and difficulty using the hand for common tasks such as gripping objects.

Erbs Palsy Treatment

Erb's Palsy treatment can include multiple surgeries to repair damaged nerves. Physical therapy and daily exercise can help restore some range of motion and possibly prevent the muscle and joints from becoming immobile. After the age of two, there is usually no more physical improvement, although an occupational therapist may be able to help the patient learn to live a more normal life with the injury.

If your newborn suffered Erb’s Palsy or an injury to their Brachial Plexus during birth and you would like to know more about your legal rights, contact us by filling out the form to the right for a free evalutation.