Normally caused during birth, Erb-Duchenne palsy affects the main group of nerves located in the top part of the arm. The damage that has been caused will have a lot to do with the treatment that will be necessary to correct the problem. Living with Erbs Palsy may result in paralysis and may last for only a few short months, but in other cases extended therapy or surgery may be required.

This type of palsy is often caused during childbirth when shoulder dystocia occurs. Shoulder dystocia is the condition whereby the baby’s head presents but the shoulders are unable to pass through the pelvic bone without some form of manipulation. This is almost always an emergency situation because the umbilical cord is being compressed; time is limited to five minutes due to the possibility of a fatality.

This condition can also result due to a serious fall during adulthood. Nerves can become severely stretched when a person falls to one specific side injuring the shoulder, head and neck. Correcting a dislocated shoulder and a gunshot wound may also have the same consequences.

There are three nerves most affected which include the axillary nerve, the suprascapular nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve. Damage with respect to each nerve can be either tearing or bruising. Partial or complete paralysis is possible as a result.

The Erbs Point is named after Wilhelm Heinrich Erb who was a German neurologist. This is the area that suffers damage and at this point six nerves are joined. Its location is just above the collar bone. All of the nerve fibers along the spine that continue through the neck, armpit and continue through the arm are included.

The major signs associated with this form of palsy are lack of sensation and possible paralysis due to weakening of muscles. The muscles that become weak are the brachialis, biceps, and deltoid. The arm is not usually able to be raised and remains in a position at the side with the hand facing forward. There is a common term known for the position and it is called waiters tip.

There are three common types of treatment including nerve transfers; nerves are taken from an opposite leg, latissimus dorsi tendon transfers and subscapularis releases. Due to possible nerve damage, nerve transplants are generally only done on infants that are less than nine months of age. At present age limitations are not a concern for other procedures.

Tendon transfers improve rotation of the arm, but increased sensitivity is possible following surgery because of the position of the muscle in the arm. Subscapularis releases can be performed more often if necessary with the only drawback being a possible weakening of muscle in time. Range of motion is improved with the procedure.

Discover a birth injury firm to help you out by searching online. If you are searching for an Erb’s Palsey lawyer your best bet is to look on the internet. Head online now.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.