ERBS PALSY INFORMATION
Erbs Palsy Information - This condition can cause severe disability and is an injury to the
brachial plexus which is a network of nerves that runs from the spine, across the chest to the fingers. There are four different types of injury that may occur:
- avulsion - the nerve is torn from the spine
- rupture - the nerve is torn but not where it attaches to the spine
- neuroma - occurs where scar tissue puts pressure on the nerve reducing transmission of impulses to the muscles
- praxis - usually has minor consequences where the nerve has been damaged but not torn
Damage to the brachial plexus nerves usually occurs as a result of the use of excessive physical force during birth. Failure to recognize the risk factors of a potentially difficult birth may be medical negligence. Existence of the risk factors may dictate that a caesarian section is necessary to preclude the possibility of a dangerous traumatic natural birth. Risk factors for Erbs palsy include:
- failure to diagnose and treat maternal diabetes
- failure to properly manage shoulder dystocia
- failure to estimate the baby's weight before delivery
- applying excessive traction during the delivery
Erbs palsy may be associated with other problems which also result from damage to the brachial plexus nerves :
- Klumpke's Palsy - Usually includes a limp hand and immobile fingers often associated with Horners syndrome.
- Complete Brachial Plexus Palsy - Occurs when the entire arm is paralysed.
- Horner's Syndrome – Caused by damage to the sympathetic nervous system.
- Torticollis caused as a result of nerve damage.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This website is for information only and does not contain medical or legal advice which should only be obtained from a qualified professional person. This website does not recommend any individual medical or legal professionals and does not refer matters on to any medical or legal professionals. This website is not intended to endorse any person, association or firm.
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