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Brachial plexus injuries affect thousands of babies born each year in the United States and may result in conditions like Erb’s palsy. The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that runs from the spinal column in the neck, down the shoulder and into the hand. As the baby passes through the birth canal, injuries to this group of nerves may occur, especially if the shoulders become impacted.

 

Brachial plexus injuries are preventable with proper medical care. And while many brachial plexus injuries resolve themselves with no medical treatment, more severe injuries may require extensive treatments such as surgery. In some instances, a child may never fully recover from a brachial plexus injury.

 

Minor to Severe Injuries

Injuries to the brachial plexus vary in nature, depending on the particular type of damage done to the nerve. Less severe brachial plexus injuries include:

 

· Neuropraxia – the nerve is damaged (stretched, for example) but not torn

· Neuroma – scar tissue has formed around a damaged nerve, preventing the nerve from sending signals to the muscles of the shoulder, arm and/or hand

 

More severe brachial plexus injuries include:

 

· Rupture – the nerve is torn but not from the spine

· Avulsions – the nerve is torn from the spine

 

Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury include weak or limp arm, impaired movement, or paralysis of the hand or arm.

 

Diagnosis & Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Diagnosing a brachial plexus injury may involve a battery of tests including x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, and/or nerve conduction testing. Treatment options for brachial plexus injuries differ, depending on the severity of nerve damage. Physical therapy is a common treatment for less serious brachial plexus injuries.

 

For more serious injuries, surgery for nerve grafting or transfer may be necessary. The best outcome is achieved if treatment begins shortly after the injury is sustained. Therefore, if you notice any symptoms of a brachial plexus injury in your child, see a physician as soon as possible.

 

When to Consult an Attorney

Medical negligence is an unfortunate cause of birth injury, but it happens nevertheless. You may wish to talk to an attorney if your baby was born after an especially difficult or traumatic delivery, particularly if:

· The baby was in breech position or larger than 9 lbs

· Force was used to pull the baby from the birth canal (for instance, vacuum extraction or forceps were used)

· The labor was prolonged

 

An attorney can evaluate your case to determine if medical negligence was a possible factor in your child’s condition and whether you may be eligible for compensation. Among other things, victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for loss of income capacity, pain and suffering and medical expensive.

 

Contact Burke & Eisner Today

At Burke & Eisner, our dedicated attorneys have helped clients across the country obtain significant settlements and verdicts for injuries caused by medical malpractice. Contact us today to have your case evaluated for free. We’re glad to answer your legal questions and inform you of your options.

 

Tags: birth injury, brachial plexus, brachial plexus injury, medical negligence