Brachial palsy is a loss of movement or weakness of the arm that occurs when the collection of nerves around the shoulder are damaged during birth.
This bundle of nerves is called the brachial plexus.
Alternative NamesKlumpke paralysis; Erb-Duchenne paralysis; Erb's palsy
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe nerves of the brachial plexus can be injured during a difficult delivery from:
There are different forms of brachial palsy in an infant. The type depends on the degree of arm paralysis:
The following increase the risk of brachial palsy:
Brachial palsy is less common now that delivery techniques have improved. Cesarean delivery is used more often when there are concerns about a difficult delivery.
Brachial palsy may be confused with a condition called pseudoparalysis. The infant has a fracture and is not moving the arm because of pain, but there has been no damage to the nerves.
SymptomsSymptoms can be seen immediately or soon after birth, and may include:
A physical exam usually shows that the infant is not moving the upper or lower arm or hand. The affected arm may flop when the infant is rolled from side to side.
The Moro reflexis absent on the side with the brachial plexus or nerve injury.
A careful examination of the clavicle or collarbone will be done to look for a fracture. Sometimes, the infant will need to have an x-ray of this bone.
TreatmentGentle massage of the arm and range-of-motion exercises are recommended for mild cases. More severe cases may need to be evaluated by several specialists.
If some strength has not returned to the affected muscles by the time the baby is 3 - 6 months old, treatments may include:
A full recovery is expected in most cases. Most infants recover within 6 months, but those that do not recover have a very poor outlook.
The benefit of surgery to try to repair the nerves or compensate for the nerve deficit is not clear.
In cases of pseudoparalysis, the child will begin to use the affected arm as the fracture heals. Fractures in infants usually heal very quickly and eaisly.
ComplicationsComplications include:
Call your health care provider if your newborn shows a lack of movement of either arm.
PreventionTaking measures to avoid a difficult delivery, whenever possible, reduces the risk of brachial palsy in newborn babies.
ReferencesFenichel GM. Trauma and vascular disorders. In: Fenichel GM, ed. Neonatal Neurology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2006:chap 5.
Brachial plexus palsy from nerve compression involves damage to the network of nerves that control movement and sensation in the arm. This condition can result from trauma, tumors, or other factors causing pressure on the nerves. Symptoms may include weakness, numbness, and pain in the affected arm, and treatment may involve physical therapy, medications, or surgery depending on the severity.
The prevalence is low, 1 or 2 births out of every 1,000.
There are three major types of palsy: cerebral, Nell's, and brachial. The most dangerous of the three is cerebral since it affects the function of the brain.
Erb's palsy, also known as obstetric brachial plexus palsy, is a condition that arises from an injury to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves controlling the arm and hand. This injury often occurs during childbirth, particularly in cases of shoulder dystocia, where the baby's shoulder gets stuck during delivery. As a result, the affected arm may exhibit weakness, limited movement, or paralysis. Treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or, in some cases, surgery to restore function.
Cebral palsy is a cognitive disability. there is bleeding in her brain when you are born, which causes mental problems. Erbs palsy is a physical disability. it does not affect your mind at all. in fact, i have erbs palsy and i am one of the smartest kids in my school. When treated correctly, a person usually has about 90% use of the arm, which is where erbs palsy usually is.
Palsy is a medical term used to describe certain forms of paralysis that is accompanied with loss of feeling, tremors and spasms. Some types of palsy are:Bells palsy - partial facial paralysisBulbar palsay - cranial nerve paralysisCerebral palsy - a neural disorder caused by intercranial lesionsConjugate gaze palsy - a disorder affecting eye movementErb's palsy/Brachial palsy - paralysis in one armWasting palsy - otherwise known as spinal muscular atrophy
Brachial Artery
Pertaining or belonging to the arm; as, the brachial artery; the brachial nerve., Of the nature of an arm; resembling an arm.
Blood clot within the brachial artery
Type your answer here... how to locate the brachial bones
The brachial region is your upper arm between the elbow and shoulder.
compress the brachial artery in the upper arm.