Erb's Palsy 

Erb's palsy is a specific type of brachial plexus injury, in which damage to the upper spine (namely at the C5 to C7 spinal roots) significantly impairs control and sensation in the arms. Each year, between 2 to 3 infants in every 1,000 live births is born with Erb's palsy.

Although Erb's palsy can affect both children and adults alike, in most cases, this condition affects newborns and occurs as the result of dystocia, a delivery complication in which an infant's head and neck wedged sideways in the birth canal.

Erb's palsy may also be referred to as:

• brachial palsy
• Erb-Duchenned
• Klumpke paralysis

Symptoms of Erb's Palsy

While the precise symptoms an Erb's palsy patient experiences will depend on the severity of his condition, in general, Erb's palsy symptoms include:

• an inability to rotate the lower arm
• droopy eyelid (on the side of the body opposite of the affected arm)
• loss of dexterity in the hands
• paralysis and/or weakness in the arm

Risk Factors for Erb's Palsy

Erb's palsy is more likely to occur when birthing complications, such as the following, arise:

• breech births (When babies are born feet first in breech births, their arms are usually raised, and the excess pressure on the upper spine can result in Erb's palsy)
• excessive birth weight (over 8 lbs, 13 oz)
• gestational diabetes
• maternal pelvic abnormalities
• prolonged labor

In these circumstances, medical professionals are more likely to make mistakes that can cause or intensify a case of Erb's palsy. Such medical mistakes may include:

• excessive use of vacuum extraction
• failure to perform an emergency C-section, when vaginal births are clearly complicated
• improper use of forceps

Erb's Palsy Treatments

Many times Erb's palsy will not require medical intervention, as stretched nerves will heal on their own within a year of the injury. However, when nerves are torn or completely severe, treatments for Erb's palsy may include:

• surgery, such as nerve transfers, Latissimus Dorsi Tendon transfers or Sub Scapularis releases
• pain medications

For the best chances of recovery, Erb's palsy treatments should start within six months of the injury. Injured infants who have not undergone treatment within the first year of life or who aren't showing signs of recovery following treatment will:

• typically never regain full function in the affected arm
• likely develop arthritis later in life

Compensation May be Available for Erb's Palsy

If your child was diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, it is important to speak with qualified affiliated legal and medical professionals who will investigate the details of the injury. If it is confirmed that medical mistakes did, in fact, lead to the injury, you will be able to seek and obtain compensation for the emotional, physical and financial damages incurred by both you and your infant.

Because of the complex nature of these cases, however, it is crucial to hire an affiliated attorney with experience and a proven track record of success in handling these types of cases. At Litigators Incorporated, our affiliated lawyers have the knowledge, the experience and the commitment to help you. For more information or to schedule a complimentary evaluation of your case, please contact our affiliated attorneys today. Toll free (866) 251-0808.