Erb’s palsy is a condition affecting the brachial plexus, a collection of nerves at the base of the neck that radiates out into the arm. During childbirth, a child whose neck was abnormally stretched may suffer damage to the brachial plexus. When this happens, they can have trouble moving their arm or fingers.
Erb’s palsy may occur due to conditions of the birth itself or due to malpractice by a medical professional. Identifying Erb’s palsy in your child and seeking treatment is critical to their recovery and your ability to obtain compensation.
What Causes Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy occurs during childbirth, but there are three different conditions that can cause it. Knowing which one caused it in your child can help you seek proper care for them.
Twisting During Birth
A child that twists through the birth canal or emerges at an awkward angle can suffer nerve damage.
Cephalo-Pelvic Disproportion (CPD)
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is a problem that occurs if the baby’s head is much larger than the birth canal. The person delivering the child can pull too much on their shoulders, thereby stretching them and causing an injury.
Breech Birth
In cases of a breech birth where the baby’s legs appear first, the baby can be injured as they are pulled out of the birth canal and their arms twist behind them.
Signs of Erb’s Palsy
Named after its discoverer, Wilhelm Erb, Erb’s palsy has a few tell-tale signs that parents can watch for:
- Weakness in one arm
- Low grip strength
- Lack of movement
- Strange arm positioning
- Poor reflexes
Erb’s palsy can be terrifying for parents, who may be distressed by the sight of their child’s arm hanging limply by their side right after birth or flailing in awkward ways.
Can You Test for Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy occurs during birth, so if a child is suffering from this, it can be detected right away through observation. However, a child can also be tested to confirm it further through a variety of tests. Reflex tests can gauge how much control an infant has over its arm. Imaging scans such as an MRI or a CT – myelogram can also detect damage to the nerves in the arm.
Treating Erb’s Palsy
The good news is that around 70 to 80% of cases of Erb’s palsy will resolve within a few months to a year with physical therapy. Parents must ensure their children are getting enough motion in their arms to heal the injury. Exercises that can be used to resolve Erb’s palsy include the following:
- Gentle baby massages
- Range of motion exercises
- Strength training
- Gentle stretching
While physical therapy can treat most cases of Erb’s Palsy and lead to its resolution, this sadly is not the case for all of them.
How Long Does Erb’s Palsy Last?
Erb’s palsy can last anywhere from three to six months if a baby receives the appropriate physiotherapy treatments. Some cases may last up to a year. Children often recover with no lasting damage. However, in instances where the damage to the brachial plexus was severe, the child may suffer from permanent damage.
If your child has suffered from Erb’s palsy, you may be able to obtain compensation for them. If you’re considering filing a claim for your baby’s birth injury, click here to speak to a lawyer to claim Erb’s palsy compensation.
Many parents whose children suffer from Erb’s palsy obtain settlements due to negligence by their care provider. Getting the right legal representation is vital to receiving a settlement in the full amount that your family is owed, especially if the case escalates to a lawsuit. Medical malpractice can lead to lasting damage, but with the right help, you can recover potential financial losses from it for your child.