Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy, also called brachial plexus palsy, is a condition that has detrimental effects on the nerves that control the muscles in the hand and arm. This causes symptoms including a limp arm, lack of muscle control in the arm, or a decrease in sensation of the hand or arm. Erb’s palsy is a result of damage to one or more of the nerves of the brachial plexus, located on both sides of the neck between the neck and shoulder. These nerves run from the spinal cord through the arm to the hand and wrist.

There are four different ways the nerves in the brachial plexus can be injured, causing Erb’s palsy. These include avulsion, rupture, praxis or stretch, and neuroma. Many of these injuries can occurring during the birthing process. Avulsion describes the nerve being completely torn away from the spine, rupture occurs when the nerve is torn in an area other than where it attaches to the spine, praxis or stretch is the condition when the nerve is injured or damaged but not torn, and with neuroma scar tissue has developed around the nerve as it heals, preventing the nerve from sending signals from the spine to the arm or hand.

Injuries to the brachial plexus can inhibit one from conducting a variety of movements that require the use of the arms. When these injuries occur and Erb’s palsy is a result of the birth process, symptoms can last a lifetime. If your child suffers from Erb’s palsy, contact an experienced Erb’s palsy trial lawyer at Snyder & Snyder for a free initial consultation.