What is Erb's Palsy?
Erb's Palsy, also referred to as Brachial Plexus Palsy, is a condition involving the paralysis or weakness of the arms, hands, or shoulders, caused by injury to the nerves of the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a network of nerve fibers that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Although Erb's Palsy can occur as an adult, the condition is predominantly a birth injury occurring in newborn babies. The brachial nerves of the newborn may be stretched or torn as a result of the doctor applying too much pressure to the head, neck, or shoulders during delivery. In general, excessive pulling on the shoulders during a headfirst delivery or pressure on the arms during a feet first delivery may cause nerve damage and lead to Erb's Palsy. The application of too much force can stretch the brachial nerves causing rupture or tears. Symptoms of Erb's Palsy are normally noticed soon after birth. These symptoms include limpness in the arm, lack of a Moro reflex, no spontaneous movement, decreased grip, and loss of sensation in the hands and fingers.
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Shoulder Dystocia and Erb's Palsy
Injuries to the brachial nerves leading to Erb's Palsy occur most often as a result of difficulties that arise during the delivery of the baby, including shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia is a problem involving the shoulders of the baby during delivery. The problem occurs when the head of the baby is delivered successfully, but the shoulders are too wide and become stuck behind the pubic bone of the mother, impeding the delivery of the baby. The doctor must perform special maneuvering to help deliver the baby safely and successfully. However, too much pulling or pressure on the head, neck, or shoulders while trying to free the baby can cause nerve damage to the brachial plexus, possibly leading to Erb's Palsy.
Birth injury and Medical Error
Erb's Palsy is mostly preventable as the condition may be the result of the failure of the doctor to adequately identify risk factors for situations where Erb's Palsy is likely to develop or where the doctor did not properly perform the maneuvering necessary for a safe delivery. Instances of feet first delivery, shoulder dystocia, and larger than average infants are all situations where Erb's Palsy could result from complications during delivery. The use of a caesarean section, commonly referred to as a C-section, has reduced the number of Erb's Palsy cases in situations where the infant is larger than average size.
Questions and Consultations
If your child has suffered from Erb's Palsy or a similar birth injury, or if you are interested in more information on birth injury litigation, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP’s experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Erb's Palsy. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Erb's Palsy Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Medical-Injury-C19/Erbs-Palsy-P117/'>Erb's Palsy: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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