Brachial Plexus Nerve Injury – Erb’s Palsy
Brachial Plexus Injury – The brachial plexus (plexus literally means “braid”) is a network of arm nerves that exits out of the neck and runs down the arms on each side of the body. Injury to the brachial plexus is rare but may occur during a traumatic birth of the baby.
Erb’s Palsy – What It Means
One type of brachial plexus injury is called Erb’s palsy. Injury to the upper brachial plexus (portions of the 5th and 6th neck nerve roots) describes this type of palsy. As a result, the arm hangs limp and is rotated internally. The baby’s elbow is straight, but the baby can typically still move the wrist and fingers when the palm is facing up.
Recovery – Usually Occurs Naturally;
Most cases of Erb’s palsy will recover over time. However, in the case of complete rupture or avulsion of the nerves, surgery may be required.
Conservative treatment consists of:
- Parent education,
- Range of motion to prevent joint stiffness and
- Therapeutic exercise, mainly in the form of purposeful play to facilitate the recovery of muscle strength.
Brachial Plexus Nerve Injury – Klumpke’s Palsy
Klumpke’s Palsy – What It Means
Like Erb’s Palsy, Klumpke’s Palsy also involves an injury to the brachial plexus, but with Klumpke’s Palsy, the lower portions of the brachial plexus are involved. Typically, the 8th cervical nerve root and 1st thoracic nerve root are damaged, causing the palsy (meaning weakness).
The baby is likely to be able to move his/her elbow and wrist but usually has difficulty moving the fingers. A clawing of the hand may occur due to the muscular weakness resulting from the involvement of the nerves.
Recovery – Usually Occurs Naturally; Rarely, Surgery Is Needed
Klumpke’s palsy may also recover over time. However, in the case of complete rupture or avulsion of the nerves, surgery may be required.
Conservative Treatment Consists Of:
- Parent education,
- Range of motion to prevent joint stiffness and
- Therapeutic exercise, mainly in the form of purposeful play to facilitate the recovery of muscle strength.
Your Child Deserves the Best Care Possible
Contact us today for more information. You can call us at (773) 685-8482 to schedule an initial evaluation. If treatment is needed, we will review a personalized care plan for your baby with you.
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