Different than Cerebral Palsy, Erb’s Palsy is caused by an injury to the brachial plexus—the nerves surrounding the shoulder. Erb’s Palsy is not caused by brain injury or brain abnormalities. Characterized by weakness or paralysis of the arm, Erb’s Palsy may cause varying amounts of impairment.
Erb’s Palsy is the result of a nerve injury at the time of birth. All the arm’s nerves are connected to a group of nerves near the neck which is called the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus nerves are responsible for feeling and motion in the hand, fingers, and arm. The brachial nerves can be injured if the baby’s neck and head are drawn to the side when the shoulders exit the birth canal. Pulling excessively on the shoulders as the baby comes out head first can also lead to a brachial nerve injury.
Related to Erb’s Palsy, shoulder dystocia occurs when the infant’s head is delivered normally, but one shoulder becomes stuck under part of the mother’s pelvic bones. Shoulder dystocia is dangerous to both the mother and the baby. A delivery in which shoulder dystocia occurs is most likely to cause injury to the brachial plexus, resulting in impaired movement of the injured arm.
Because Erb’s palsy is caused by an injury at birth, it is almost immediately apparent. However, the extent of the injury may not be known for some months after the baby’s birth.
If you believe your baby is suffering from Erb’s Palsy or Shoulder Dystocia, please call Finkelstein & Partners today. Our knowledgeable team, with experience in both medicine and legal representation, will go to work to you to ensure that your child receives the care and treatment required.