Erb’s Palsy
Erb's palsy is a type of brachial plexus palsy that occurs when the network of nerves near the neck are stretched or torn. When these nerves are damaged, the result can be temporary or permanent loss of the child's ability to move the arm, wrist, hand and fingers.
Erb's palsy normally results from a difficult delivery. When the baby becomes stuck, some force must be used to remove the baby from the birth canal. This often requires the use of forceps, vacuum, or other methods that can apply pressure to the baby's head, neck and shoulders. While administering this force, the brachial plexus muscles may be stretched or torn, resulting in Erb's palsy. Large babies, especially those whose mothers have diabetes, are at greater risk of becoming stuck and suffering shoulder dystocia. In this case, a caesarean section is often recommended. Erb's Palsy can also be prevented by fetal growth scans to predict the baby's size and proper monitoring during labor and delivery to determine if a caesarean section is safer.
It is often not possible to tell that a baby has a brachial plexus injury immediately following birth. New parents should be aware of the Erb's Palsy symptoms and report any concerns to their pediatrician. Common symptoms include the lack of typical reflexes on one side of the body. During their first few months, normal infants who feel like they are falling or hear loud noises will be startled, spread or move their arms, and typically start to cry. If a baby does not have these reflexes it may have Erb's palsy. Other symptoms of Erb's palsy include difficulty gripping with the hand on the affected side, an arm that is flexed at the elbow and held against the body, and lack of spontaneous movement in the arm or hand.
Contact an Illinois Erb's Palsy Attorney
Children who have erb's palsy or have suffered brachial plexus injuries may develop deformities as they grow older, and can require lifelong care for their injuries. If your child has Erb's palsy or a brachial plexus injury, you may have a claim for damages against the medical professionals who delivered your baby. Compensation cannot right a wrong, but it can provide support and compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For a free consultation and evaluation of your case, contact us by email or call us at 312-795-9595.
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