A diagnosis of Erb’s palsy in a newborn can be shocking for parents. It is key for parents to be able to get medical attention as soon as possible after a child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy.

How Many Children Are Affected by Erb’s Palsy?

A diagnosis of Erb’s palsy in a newborn has to do with a brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves near the infant’s neck that connects to all of the arm’s nerves. Palsy refers to weakness, which means loss of motion and weakness in the arm for an affected newborn. Approximately one or two out of every 1,000 babies have this condition.

What Causes Erb’s Palsy?

In some cases a diagnosis of Erb’s palsy may be associated with no significant primary cause. However, many babies who have been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy have this condition as a result of their neck having been stretched to one side during a complicated delivery.

While some babies who have been diagnosed with brachial plexus birth injury will be able to recover movement through physical therapy, not all will be able to recover fully.

What Are the Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy?

It can be very difficult to diagnose Erb’s palsy in a young infant because of the baby’s inability to speak. Symptoms of brachial plexus palsy should be noticed by parents and reported to a medical professional as soon as possible.

These signs can include loss of feeling in the arm, weakness in one arm or total paralysis of the arm. A pediatrician is usually the first person who makes a diagnosis of a brachial plexus palsy injury based on a physical examination.

Are Tests Required to Diagnose Erb’s Palsy?

The pediatrician who spots early signs of Erb’s palsy might request an ultrasound, x-ray or other imaging study to get a better understanding of a possible diagnosis. Furthermore, other tests such as a nerve conduction study or an electromyogram may be required.

How Long Does It Take for A Baby to Recover from Erb’s Palsy?

Many newborns who have Erb’s palsy are able to recover on their own, but this means attending regular doctor’s appointments and going through physical therapy. Since nerves recover and grow very slowly, it can take as long as two years for a total recovery of Erb’s palsy.

What Makes Brachial Plexus Injuries More Likely?

Newborn injuries for brachial plexus and associated Erb’s palsy diagnosis can occur if the mother has a long labor, if the birth were complicated by a breech delivery, and if the baby’s shoulders were too wide to fit through the birth canal.

In addition, children may be more likely to sustain a birth injury when there is medical malpractice at the time of the birth. Medical malpractice typically involves a physician or other medical professional who has failed to provide the appropriate standard of care.

What Are the Different Types of Brachial Plexus Palsy Injuries?

There are four different types of nerve injuries that might affect a newborn. These are known as rupture, neuroma, neuropraxia, and avulsion.

If your child was recently diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy and you are concerned that this is connected to medical malpractice, scheduling a consultation with an experienced attorney is important.