Erb's Palsy refers to a devastating injury to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the neck that control all the arm nerves. When these nerves are injured, it limits a child's ability to move and manipulate their shoulder, arm, and hands.

What Causes Erb's Palsy?

Erb's palsy occurs when the obstetrician applies too much force when extracting the baby from the birth canal. This could be through the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor, or when a medical practitioner puts too much pressure on the baby's head while pulling the baby from the birth canal.

Four different types of nerve injuries can cause Erb's palsy: avulsion, rupture, praxis/stretch, and neuroma. Avulsion is when the nerve separates from the spine completely. Rupture is when there is a tear throughout the nerve itself, but not at the spine. Praxis/stretch is when the nerve is torn, not damaged. And neuroma is when the scar tissue from the original injury puts pressure on the nerve and prevents the nerves from sending messages down the spine.

Risk Factors

Erb's palsy is typically seen in difficult deliveries. Some risk factors include:

• Previous delivery involving shoulder dystocia;
• Use of drugs to speed up or induce labor;
• Larger babies, i.e. weighing over 8 1/2 lbs. at birth;
• When the mother has a smaller, or unusual-shaped pelvis;
• Breech position or any malposition in the birth canal;
• Either a rapid labor or a prolonged labor.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is typically diagnosed after observing weakness of the arm. Your physician may order an x-ray or other imaging studies to determine if there is any damage to the neck and shoulder's bones. Also, tests such as electromyologram (EMG) or a nerve conduction study (NCS) can determine whether nerve signals are working properly in the upper arm muscles.

If your child's condition does not change within the first several months, your doctor may explore surgical options. Regardless of the treatment, every 2 out of 10 babies with Erb's palsy have permanent paralysis in some form. It is a devastating birth injury.

If your child has Erb's palsy as a result of medical malpractice at a Chicago hospital, contact Kreisman Law Offices at (312) 346-0045 or (800) 583-8002 for an immediate free consultation, or fill out a contact form. With over 32 years of experience handling birth injury cases, Kreisman Law Offices has the resources and know-how to obtain justice for you and your loved ones.