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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
the Law Offices of
Jeffrey H. Rasansky, or submit
your case for a free evalutation.
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