What is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s Palsy, also known as Brachial Plexus Palsy, affects the network of nerves that supply feeling and control to the shoulders and arms. Erb’s Palsy is an injury or damage to the nerves in the neck and upper chest. The injury can result in a loss of movement and feeling in the arm, hand and fingers. This injury often occurs during childbirth if the baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone and the appropriate delivery techniques are not used.

There are four types of Erb’s Palsy (Brachial Plexus Injuries)?

Neurapraxia

Neurapraxia occurs when the nerve has been damaged, but not torn.

Rupture

Rupture occurs when the nerve is torn, but not separated from the spine.

Avulsion

Avulsion occurs when the nerve is torn from the spine.

Neuroma

Neuroma occurs when scar tissue grows around the injury, and places pressure on the injured nerve, interfering with the nerve’s ability to send signals to the muscles.

Erb’s Palsy Symptoms

Symptoms of an Erb’s Palsy injury can include a limp arm or lack of movement in the arm or hand. The affected arm may flop when the infant is rolled from side to side. Other symptoms include missing Moro reflex, the reflex which causes an infant to react when startled by a sudden, loud noise by stretching out the arms and flexing the legs. Erb’s Palsy symptoms can also include the inability to keep the arm in a normal position (flexed at the elbow and held against the body) and decreased grip on the affected side.

Causes of Erb’s Palsy

During childbirth, if the baby’s head is being pulled excessively the brachial nerves can be injured. Factors like high birth weight or breached birth may increase the risk of injury. As stated above, Erb’s Palsy can also be the result of improper delivery methods by your doctor or medical team.

Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you have a child with Erb’s Palsy and they were injured during birth as the result of a surgery, medication, or other medical treatment, it is possible your child’s injury is a result of medical malpractice. It is very important that you consult with a medical malpractice attorney that is experienced in dealing with birth injury claims. We want to make sure you receive all the benefits and compensation you are entitled (to?). Call Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys to help you get everything to which you may be entitled. Call us at 800-257-1822 for a free consultation and to have all your questions answered regarding your injury.