Traumatic births lead to Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy is brought on by injury to the nerves surrounding the shoulder. It occurs as a result of complications during birth. Later in life, Erb’s palsy manifests as loss of motion or weakness in the arm. In some cases, the arm may become completely paralyzed. Additionally, Erb’s palsy can also cause a variety of other problems throughout the arms, hands and even parts of the head or face.

–How does Erb’s Palsy begin–

Erb’s palsy develops from a trauma to the brachial plexus. This is a bunching of nerves located around the shoulders near the neck. The nerves control movement and sensation throughout the upper extremities, especially the arms. The trauma to these nerves occurs during delivery.

Statistics show one and a half of every thousand births results in some type of injury to the brachial nerve bundle. In most cases the injury occurs if the baby’s head is ill positioned while the shoulders come through the birth canal. Breech births, in which babies are delivered feet first, are also more vulnerable to injury as their arm position allows for extra pressure in the brachial nerve region. Larger babies are also prone to a greater risk of trauma.

–How is Erb’s Palsy diagnosed—

When a baby is suspected of having Erb’s palsy, a series of tests should be conducted. X-rays and tests for nerve responsiveness are used to help rate the severity of the damage. Further imaging tests such as MRI or a myelography test may be ordered as well.

–How is Erb’s Palsy treated–

In most cases, children recover from the nerve trauma. Nerves that may have been stretched will often re-tighten to near normal within a year. However, sometimes the injury causes scars to form around the nerves. In these cases, permanent complications may result. The most severe cases happen when the nerve is torn from the spinal cord. Statistics show less than ten percent of children who suffered from brachial plexus nerve trauma during birth will have permanent problems.

Erb’s Palsy is treated in a number of ways. As noted above, many times the case is left to treat itself, re-tightening back to normal. Babies may still undergo physical therapy to help keep a range of motion during the healing process. Surgery is required for more serious Erb’s palsy cases. At times, tendons may be used to replace damaged nerve tissues. Surgery typically doesn’t take place before a child is six months old. Recovery is slow and even with a successful surgery the affected arm will remain weak and the patient’s will most likely have to endure a limited range of motion for the rest of their lives.

Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.