Klumpke's Palsy 

Also known as Klumpke's paralysis or Dejerine-Klumpke palsy, Klumpke's palsy is a form of brachial plexus injury that results when nerve damage to the upper spine (particularly the C8 and T1 spinal roots) causes a loss of control and sensation in the forearm(s) and hands.

As many as 200,000 Americans are affected by Klumpke's palsy.

Symptoms of Klumpke's Palsy

As with other forms of brachial plexus injury, the symptoms of Klumpke's palsy will vary according to the precise nature and severity of the injury. Generally, Klumpke's Palsy symptoms include:

• an inability to rotate the forearm
• loss of dexterity
• numbness in the ulnar nerve, the nerve running along the outer arm that controls the pinky and ring fingers
• paralysis of the hand(s)

Klumpke's Palsy can affect one or both sides of the body.

Medical Mistakes & Klumpke's Palsy

Birth injuries, such as Klumpke's Palsy, are more likely to occur when delivery complications, such as the following, arise:

• abnormalities in the mother's pelvis
• breech births
• excessive fetal birth weights (over 8 lbs, 13 oz)
• gestational diabetes
• prolonged deliveries
• shoulder dystocia

With such complications, healthcare professionals are more likely to make the medical mistakes that can result in Klumpke's Palsy. Such negligence may include:

• excessive use of vacuum extraction
• failure to perform emergency C-sections
• improper use of forceps

Klumpke's Palsy Treatments

For the best possible prognosis, infants diagnosed with Klumpke's Palsy will need to start receiving treatment as soon as possible. The progression of recovery within the first few months of treatment is a good indication of the degree to which infants will or can fully recover use of their forearms and hands.

Treatments for Klumpke's palsy are similar to those for other forms of brachial plexus injury and typically include:

• nerve grafts or other surgical procedures
• pain medications
• physical therapy, following surgery

After the initial surgeries needed to repair the damaged nerves, further surgery may be necessary to remove any scar tissue that has developed.

Legal Help for Klumpke's Palsy

When medical mistakes contributed to an infant's Klumpke's Palsy, the injured newborn and his/her family will likely be entitled to compensation for medical bills, ongoing treatment costs and pain and suffering.

To encourage affected parties to learn more about their legal rights, our affiliated birth injury lawyers offer initial consultations for free. During these consultations, prospective plaintiffs will likely discuss the details of their case with affiliated doctors and nurses who will help determine if they have a viable birth injury case and whether they are entitled to a settlement for their injuries and losses.

To schedule a consultation, contact Litigators Incorporated. Our affiliated lawyers have extensive experience in defending the rights of families affected by brachial plexus injuries. They understand the devastation and life-long hardships that often come with birth injuries and are committed to doing everything in their power to secure lifetime benefits for injured infants. Our affiliated attorneys have helped thousands of families across the country and are confident that they can help you. Toll free (866) 251-0808.