Brachial Plexus Injuries
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. Injuries to this group of nerves may occur as the baby passes through the birth canal, particularly 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 cases, a child may never fully recover from his/her 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. Once a brachial plexus injury has been diagnosed, treatment options will depend on the severity of the 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. Victims of medical negligence may be entitled to money for medical treatment costs, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering, among other things.
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. To have your case evaluated free of charge, contact us today. We’re glad to answer your legal questions and inform you of your options.
Three ways to Contact Us:
-- Fill out the Contact Us form in the Upper Right part of this page.
-- Use the Contact Us form located on the Instant Answer Page
-- Call us: 1-800-838-0800
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