Erb’s palsy, also known as brachial plexus injury, is a serious birth injury that affects the nerves which provide movement and feeling in the arms. Some babies recover on their own, however some may require specialist intervention. If diagnosed and treated quickly, recovery can occur with physical therapy, but there is a possibility of surgery being needed in more severe cases. The condition may be lifelong depending on the extent of the nerve damage.
Erb’s palsy is typically caused during birth, and many parents make a medical or clinical negligence claim against the healthcare providers. In this article, we will look at the symptoms and causes of Erb’s palsy, and how Prosperity Law can help you.
What Are The Symptoms Of Erb’s Palsy?
Following the delivery of your child, your doctor should be quick to notice if they are showing signs of any damage or injury to their arms which could be a sign of Erb’s palsy. Common symptoms include: a lack of reflexes or movement in the arm, poor grip strength on the affected hand, or if the arm is bent at the elbow and held tightly to the side of the child.
Unfortunately, these signs of Erb’s palsy are not always detected right away, and failing to spot them quickly can make the injury worse for the child, leading to further shoulder and arm weakness, loss of feeling or paralysis in the affected shoulder and arm.
What Can Cause Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy is often caused by overstretching the nerves during birth. There are various childbirth complications that can result in Erb’s palsy, including the baby being unusually large (macrosomia), shoulder dystocia (the child’s shoulders becoming stuck), a prolonged labour, or the child presenting in the breech position.
Medical negligence can also be a significant factor in Erb’s palsy injuries. Doctors and midwives should always take extra precautions during delivery, such as recognising when a caesarean section is needed, and making sure that shoulder dystocia is safely managed.
Excessive pulling on the head and shoulders during the delivery can cause nerve damage to the brachial plexus, and the use of instruments such as forceps or vacuum (ventouse) can also cause the nerves in the arms to be over stretched.
How Prosperity Law Can Help You
If you think that your child has been injured due to medical negligence resulting in Erb’s palsy, then you may be able to make a claim against the health care professionals on your child’s behalf.
Jane Lynch, Head of Clinical Negligence, specialises in birth injury claims and has a team of highly skilled and dedicated lawyers.
We hold Clinical Negligence Accreditation from the law society ensuring your case is being dealt with a specialist team.
For more information on making the right decisions about your claim, please download a copy of our guide. If you would like to know more about how Prosperity Law can help you for your medical negligence claim or our many other services, then please contact us today for a confidential consultation with a qualified solicitor.
Call us on 0151 909 1848 or
Email: newenquiries@prosperitylaw.com
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