Erb’s Palsy (Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy) - Medtick
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Erb’s Palsy (Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy)

What is it?

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 C5/C6 ruptured or dislocated disc.
  • Mild cases of Erb’s palsy may clear up within three to six months with physical therapy. Around 70 to 80% of all Erb’s palsy cases will usually clear up within a year as long as proper and consistent treatment is provided.

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:
    • Excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy
    • Small maternal size
    • Large infant size
    • Gestational diabetes
    • 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
    • History of difficult births or Erb’s palsy
    •  Improper handling of an abnormal or difficult birth.  medical staff use too much force, delay delivery, fail to recognize complications.
  • Falling on shoulder

Symptoms

  • Constant neck pain, triceps muscle pain and tingling and numbness of the long finger (3rd digit)?
  • Shoulder rotated forward?
  • Weakness in one arm?
  • Holding one arm against the body with a bent elbow?
  • Lack of, or decreased grip strength in affected hand?
  • Numbness in the arm or hand?
  • Impaired muscular, circulatory, or nervous development?
  • Paralysis in affected arm (partial or total)?
  • Pain on affected side?
  • Arm that hangs limply to their side with their hand open, facing outward and their fingers out at a 90 degree angle (Waiter’s Tip)?

Birth Injury Guide

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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