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Erb’s Palsy resulting from Birth Injury Negligence
Erbs Palsy is a type of Brachial Plexus injury which is a network of nerves that run from the spine through the shoulder and to the tips of the fingers and conducts signals in order to control muscles. Any or all of these muscles may be paralyzed. Your child’s disability depends on which nerves are injured and how severely they have been damaged.
Children with Erbs Palsy are affected in different ways. Some examples include:
- No muscle control and no feeling in the arm or hand.
- Some children can move their arms, but have little control over the wrist and hand
- Other children can use their hands well but cannot use the shoulder or elbow muscles.
Approximately 1 or 2 babies in 1,000 each year suffer from Erbs Palsy. Symptoms may range from mild neuropraxia with early recovery to complete disruption with no potential for recovery.
What Causes Erbs Palsy?
Erbs Palsy can occur at any time, however most cases happen during birth. During the strain of childbirth, the shoulder of the baby could get caught and stretched behind the Pubic Symphysis bone. Once the shoulder is caught, the Brachial Plexus can be compressed, stretched or torn.
There are 4 types of Erbs Palsy:
- Stretch injuries which involve the nerves being compressed from swelling and bruising from the shoulder being caught. Stretch injuries are the least severe type of Brachial Plexus injury.
- Neuroma injuries which involves scar tissue compressing the nerves
- Rupture injuries involve the nerve being torn at several locations
- Avulsion injuries are when the nerves are pulled from the spinal cord. This is the most severe type of Brachial Plexus injury
Most cases of Erbs Palsy are mild and most children will recover in 3 to 4 months. The more severe injuries may take 18 to 24 months to recover. During this recovery time, physical therapy may be necessary.
If your child suffers from Erbs Palsy and you believe that your doctor, nurse, or other health care provider failed to provide appropriate care during labor and delivery, contact the Law Offices of Ron W. Sage PA at (732) 547-2944 today!
This informational blog was provided by Ronald W. Sage, an experienced New Jersey Birth Injury Lawyer.
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