Erb’s palsy is a form of brachial plexus injury and results from damage to the nerves that supply the muscles of the arm. Brachial plexus injuries can cause partial to complete paralysis of the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, or fingers. Some of the most common symptoms of a brachial plexus injury are sensation changes or limited motion or use of an arm, poor ability to perform normal activities with an arm or to bear weight through an arm, torticollis (a shortening of the muscle of the neck causing the head to tilt to one side) and developmental delays in an infant or young child. There are varying levels of severity of brachial plexus injury depending upon whether the affected nerve is actually detached from the spinal cord, ruptured, overstretched, or compressed by scar tissue. An obstetrical brachial plexus injury occurs when damage to the nerves is sustained during the delivery of an infant. The majority of these birth injuries are the result of a birthing emergency called shoulder dystocia, which occurs when the infant’s shoulder becomes impacted on the mother's pelvic bone. Many infants are left with some degree of disability and require treatment. In contrast to obstetrical brachial plexus injuries, traumatic brachial plexus injuries are seen when injuries are sustained secondary to vehicular accidents, sports injuries, gunshot wounds, or surgery.

Treatment for a brachial plexus injury includes physical and occupational therapy, surgery, splinting, casting, and electrical stimulation and should be initiated as soon as possible. Typically, an infant suffering from an obstetrical brachial plexus injury begins physical or occupational therapy in the first two weeks of life. An affected person is usually referred to a specialist or a team of specialists that might include a neurologist, an orthopedic surgeon, a plastic surgeon, or a neurosurgeon to further assess the injury using a variety of tests and to implement effective treatment. Erb’s palsy and other brachial plexus injuries frequently result from medical errors or carelessness by others.

If you know anyone with a brachial plexus injury, please feel free to contact Regan Zambri & Long. Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving brachial plexus injuries. We may be able to assist you in investigating the cause of the condition as well as exploring available resources.