• Cerebral Palsy
• Erb’s Palsy
• Klumpke’s Palsy
• Brachial Plexus Palsy
• Brain Damage
• Fractured extremities
• Infant Paralysis
• Caput Succedaneum
• Cephalohematoma
• Bruising/Forceps marks

Brachial Plexus Palsy

Brachial plexus palsy is a birth injury occurring in approximately 2 to 5 of every 1000 babies. Much like cerebral palsy, many brachial plexus palsy cases occur as a result of medical malpractice. The brachial plexus nerve bundle is attached to specific sections of the spinal cord and spinal vertebrae; the extent of paralysis depends on which vertebrae are affected. Erb’s palsy, which affects the shoulder and upper arm, results from injury to the C5 and C6 vertebrae. Klumpke’s palsy, which affects the forearm and hand, results from injury to the C7 and T1 vertebrae.

The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Brachial plexus injuries are caused by damage to these nerves. Symptoms can include a limp or paralyzed arm; lack of muscle response in the arm, hand, or wrist; and a lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand. Brachial plexus injuries may occur as a result of shoulder trauma, tumors, or inflammation. There is a rare disorder called Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, or brachial plexitis, that causes inflammation of the brachial plexus without any obvious shoulder injury. This disorder can begin with severe shoulder or arm pain followed by weakness and numbness. Brachial plexus injuries in infants may occur during birth if the child's shoulder is stretched during passage in the birth canal.

The severity of brachial plexus injuries are determined by the type of damage done to the nerves. The most severe type, avulsion, occurs when the nerve root is severed or cut from the spinal cord. There is also an incomplete form of avulsion which occurs when only part of the nerve is damaged, leaving some opportunity for the nerve to slowly recover function. Neuropraxia, which is a stretching of the nerves, is the mildest type of injury Neuropraxia damages the protective insulation of the nerve, which causes problems with nerve signal transmission, but does not always damage the nerve underneath.

If your child suffers from these symptoms or has been diagnosed with Brachial Plexus Palsy, you should immediately speak to an experienced Orlando birth injury attorney. Click here for help.