Nerve damage to brachial plexus network which controls nerves and muscles in the shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands. These nerves run from the neck down the spine.
The most common nerves affected are first thoracic nerve (T1) and the eighth cervical nerve (C8) ruptured or dislocated disc.
Most cases of Klumpke’s palsy are a result of injuries caused by stretching (neuropraxia ), in which the nerve has suffered damage but is not torn, the most common brachial plexus injury.
In many cases, a baby can recover from this type of injury within six months. Patients who suffer from neuropraxia-related Klumpke’s palsy recover on their own with 90-100% return of arm and hand function.
In more severe cases of brachial plexus injuries, however, the consequences may last for years or even result in lifelong disabilities of the arm, hand, or fingers. This is especially true in situations where nerve is severed from the spine and permanently damages the T1 and C8 nerves. In some cases, surgery may be used to remove scar tissue from the affected nerves to improve their function.
Cause
Abnormal or complicated labor and delivery that results in stretching or tearing of the nerves and muscles in the neck, the risks can be increased by:
Prolonged second stage of labor (lasting over one hour)
Infants coming out in the breech position
Use of assistive birthing tools, such as forceps or vacuum and/or pulling a baby extended arm above the head.
Stretching the arm i.e hanging of a tree or reach for a tree branch to break the fall
Source: SlidePlayer
Source: Pediatrics Clerkship - University of Chicago
Source: ePainAssist.com
Symptoms
Constant pain in neck, pain, tingling and numbing occurs along the whole arm down to outer part of small finger, unable to squeeze or hold objects in ones hands?
Weakness or lack of ability to use specific muscles of the shoulder, arm. or hand?
Limp or paralyzed arm?
Stiff joints
Atrophy of the muscles (muscles becoming thinner)?
No feeling or sensation in the affected arm or hand?
Drooping of the eyelids (ptosis) and smaller pupils (miosis)on the opposite side of the face (Horner’s syndrome)?
Birth Injury Guide
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Klumpke’s palsy (Dejerine-Klumpke palsy) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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