CAUSES OF ERB’S PALSY
Erb’s Palsy is a type of nerve damage that can affect the shoulders, arms, and/or hands. Children with Erb’s palsy experience numbness, weakness, or paralysis of different parts of the body. Although Erb’s palsy is often treatable, some children may never recover completely from the condition.
Erb’s Palsy happens during childbirth when a doctor negligently uses too much force or “traction” during delivery damaging the nerves between the neck and the shoulder.
There are nearly 12,000 new cases of preventable Erb’s palsy every year.
A baby becoming “stuck” or “impacted” during a vaginal delivery does not mean the doctor should use excessive force to deliver the baby.
Doctors are taught how to deliver a baby that is “stuck or impacted” during a vaginal delivery without causing Erb’s palsy by:
- Bringing mom’s thighs up against her belly to help widen her pelvis (McRoberts Manuever)
- Applying pressure to Mom’s belly just above her pubic bone. (This is called suprapubic pressure)
- Trying to turn the baby to “disengage” or “unstick” the impacted shoulder
- If these maneuvers fail, then a Cesarean Section may be performed
Be aware that some babies are at increased risk of getting “stuck” or “impacted” during delivery, including;
- Larger babies
- Prior C-Section
- Mother with diabetes or gestational diabetes
- Extended second stage of labor
- Excessive weight gain during pregnancy
- Prior medical history of impaction
- Use of forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery
INJURIES
These damaged nerves between the shoulder and neck are called the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a group of five nerves that connect the spine to the arm and hand. These nerves allow the shoulder, arms, and hands to feel and move.
Your baby may be a victim of Erb’s Palsy if he or she has:
- PARALYSIS OR LIMPNESS OF THE SHOULDER, ARM, AND ELBOW
Your baby may have trouble lifting his or her arm away from their body or bending at the elbow.
- SCAPULAR WINGING
This occurs when the back of the shoulder will not lay flat on the back and sticks out like a “wing”.
- NUMBNESS OR TINGLING
The child has a feeling of pins and needles in his or her arm and/or hand.
- WAITER’S TIP POSITION
Erb’s palsy can also cause the palm of your baby’s hand to point towards his or her back with fingers curled. Here at Lebson Tangredi PLLC we have represented hundreds of Erb’s palsy victims.