Erbs Palsy - Did Your Newborn Experience Malpractice?

Erb's Palsy is the name of a medical affliction. The symptoms of this condition can be diagnosed when a baby is born. This condition appears when the child's brachial plexus is damaged. The nerves that surround the shoulder make up this area. There are other names for this condition such as brachial plexus palsy, Klumpke paralysis and Erb-Duchenned.

Lack or strength of flexibility in the arm is often a primary indicator of Erb's Palsy. A range of impairment can be seen in children with this condition, ranging from an avulsion, in which the nerve and spine are no longer connected, to a rupture, in which the nerve is torn. The differing levels of impairment resulting from this condition are noted across a spectrum with different levels being given different names, all of which are still diagnosed as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's Palsy results from issues with the nerves. Information is transmitted from the arms to the brachial plexus, which is a bundle of nerves located near the neck, and allows for mobility and sensation in the fingers, hands, and arms. When a patient suffers from this condition, it is often the result of a complicated birth, in which the cervix of the mother blocked the child's shoulder.

Shoulder dystosia is the name given to this condition. The brachial nerves become dislodged when this takes place, as the infant's shoulders have difficulty proceeding through the birth canal. If the mother's cervix does not allow the infant's shoulders to pass through easily, it is often the cause of damage to the brachial nerves, caused by undue stress on the shoulders. If the baby's feet come out before the head, termed a breach birth, this often results in a raising of the arms which can cause damage due to the force applied.

The number of Erb's Palsy cases has been significantly reduced by recent advancements in birthing technology, but they are seen on occasion. Unfortunately, infants of unusual size may have issues in spite of these improvements. At the time of delivery, there is an increased likelihood of damage to the nerves, the larger the size of the baby. Parents may be comforted to learn that often, this injury to the nerves will heal, resulting in a full recovery to the arm in 6 to 12 months. If the damage is less severe, such as in the case of neuropraxia or neuroma, it is possible that a recovery can occur, but this can not happen if the damage happened as a result of a ruptured nerve or avulsion.

Unfortunately, recovery is not possible in the avent of an avulsion or rupture, because permanent damage has been caused by scarring or detachment of the nerve.

Physical therapy, given early after diagnosis of Erb's Palsy, can often reduce the patient's level of impairment in spite of the fact that permanent damage has been caused.

Also gentle massages and what are known as range of motion exercises can also be done to help promote healing and strengthen muscles. Surgery is sometimes the only alternative for patients with more extreme injuries. If the nerves don't function correctly then there are also tendon transplants that can be done.

It may be beneficial to speak to an attorney if you suspect that there are treatment options that are not being explored for your child. An Erb's Palsy lawyer is the only type of attorney to consult in this type of case, as Erb's Palsy cases are incredibly complex.

If you found this article useful, you can discover more free information on erb's palsy that gives you detailed information about what else you can do if your child has developed it. Erb's palsy can also happen because of medical malpractice. Find out what your options are here.