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Erb's Palsy Questions

 

What are brachial plexus injuries?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, brachial plexus injuries occur. Symptoms may include a limp or paralyzed arm, lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist, and lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand. Although injuries can occur at any time, many brachial plexus injuries happen during birth: the baby's shoulders may become impacted during the birth process causing the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear.

 

Is there treatment for Erb's palsy?

Some of these injuries heal without treatment. Many children improve (or recover) by the time they are three or four months old. Treatment for brachial plexus injuries includes occupational or physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.

 

What is the prognosis for a child born with Erb's palsy?

Both the site and type of brachial plexus injury determine the prognosis for the child. For avulsion and rupture injuries there is no potential for recovery unless surgical reconnection is made in a timely manner. For neuroma and neuropraxia injuries the potential for recovery varies. Most patients with neuropraxia injuries recover spontaneously with a 90-100% return of function.

 

What are the symptoms of Erb's palsy?

Symptoms of Erb's palsy include:

• No muscle control and no feeling in the arm or hand
• The ability to move but with little control
• The use of hands but not of the shoulder or elbow
• Paralysis of the entire arm with the hand and fingers hanging limp
• Facial paralysis on the affected side
• The inability to sit up without assistance
• The inability to crawl without the use of therapeutic devices

 

Is Erb's Palsy preventable?

Yes, Erb's palsy is preventable because the medical community has developed maneuvers that should be used to alleviate shoulder dystocia, the condition that occurs when the baby's shoulder becomes "stuck" behind the mother's pubic bone in the birth canal. However, there are times when the brachial plexus has been damaged during delivery. When a child's Erb's has occurred because of malpractice or negligence, parents have rights and should seek out an experienced medical malpractice attorney.

 

If your child suffered a birth injury due a medical mistake in the New York, please contact the experienced birth injury attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today to schedule a confidential consultation.

 

Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C.
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