What is Erb’s Palsy?

Thu, Jul 12, 2012 22:00 CET

Approximately three out of 1,000 infants are born each year with Erb’s Palsy, also known as brachial plexus palsy, and 25 percent of these infants will experience permanent impairment and injury.

The injury occurs in the network of nerves that supply feeling and control to the arms and shoulders and often happens during childbirth if the infant’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone and the appropriate delivery procedures are not implemented. The injury can cause a loss of feeling and mobility in the arms, hands, and fingers.

Different forms of Erb’s Palsy are determined depending on the severity of arm paralysis. According to MedlinePlus, some of these forms include:

Brachial plexus, which affects only the upper arm
Erb’s paralysis, which affects the upper and lower arm
Klumpke paralysis, which affects the hand. This may also cause an eyelid droop on the opposite side

If your child was born with Erb’s Palsy due to the negligence of a medical provider, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if you may be able to pursue legal action. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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birth injury Medical Malpractice Birth and Pregnancy Erbs Palsey