Erb’s palsy is a brain injury that a child typically sustains during childbirth. Often, it is the result of medical negligence and therefore is at the center of malpractice claims. California parents who are concerned about Erb’s Palsy may be interested to learn more about what the condition is, its treatments and what to do if they receive this diagnosis.
What is the cause of Erb’s Palsy?
The nerve bundle that is involved in Erb’s Palsy is the brachial nexus. There are five nerves in the brachial nexus that, when disrupted, can cause a loss of sensation, weakness or even paralysis. The disruption of these nerves is most likely to occur during childbirth, if the head is pulled away from the shoulder in a way that impacts these nerves. Births involving forceps and vacuum extraction are most likely to be involved in Erb’s Palsy, though there are recorded cases of this birth injury in a range of deliveries, even Cesarean sections.
How common is Erb’s Palsy?
The odds of this type of injury is 0.5 to 2.6 per 1,000 live births. It is considered preventable, and many of those who are diagnosed with this birth injury seek restitution as a result.
What are the treatment options for Erb’s Palsy?
The treatment of Erb’s Palsy is certainly an evolving science. Interestingly, many individuals with Erb’s Palsy spontaneously recover, though it is unclear why. However, this recovery is not necessarily the conclusion of issues, as issues later in life are not uncommon. There are also measures such as physical therapy, ongoing testing and, in some cases, surgical intervention, which are employed.
The measures taken to treat Erb’s Palsy can be both expensive and time-consuming. The loss of normal functioning can also be emotionally difficult for families, and the impact on a baby’s development is also a consideration. For this reason, it can be advisable for those who experience this or other birth injuries to seek advice from a California lawyer.