Erb’s palsy happens when the baby’s neck is stretched during delivery. This can cause damage to the upper nerves of the neck and shoulder. The nerve damage can then cause certain muscles in the baby’s arm to be weak. Over time, the baby can recover movement. He can also recover feeling in the arm. In some cases, long-lasting damage can occur.
Erb’s palsy is usually caused by:
These factors increase your chance of delivering a baby with Erb’s palsy:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
Often, Erb’s palsy is discovered after birth due to the typical signs and symptoms, such as:
The doctor may:
Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan, which may include:
When your child is older, other treatments may be recommended, such as:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/index_e.asp/
References:
Brachial plexitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated November 30, 2009. Accessed February 8, 2010.
Brachial plexus injuries. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/brachial-plexus/erbs-palsy.html. Accessed February 9, 2010.
Erb’s palsy. Patient UK website. Available at: http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40001379. Accessed February 8, 2010.
Erb's palsy (brachial plexus birth injury). American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00077. Updated October 2007. Accessed February 8, 2010.
Last reviewed March 2010 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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