A brachial plexus birth injury affects the network of nerves that runs from the neck through the shoulder and down the arm. When these nerves are stretched or torn during delivery, a newborn may have trouble moving or feeling the affected arm.
Understandably, many parents want answers about how long this type of injury will affect their child and who can be held responsible. When an injury may have been caused by a preventable delivery mistake, a birth injury attorney can review medical records, consult with medical professionals, and help families understand whether they have grounds for a claim.
What Are the Two Most Common Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries in Infants?
The two most common types of brachial plexus injuries in infants are Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy. Each one is named for the group of nerves it affects, and each one affects the arm in a different way.
Erb’s palsy is by far the more common of the two. This injury affects the upper nerves of the brachial plexus, which control the shoulder and upper arm. A baby with Erb’s palsy may hold the affected arm limp at the side, with the elbow straight and the hand turned inward. The baby can often still move their fingers, but lifting or bending the arm may be difficult.
Klumpke’s palsy affects the lower nerves, which control the hand and wrist. This type of injury is much less common. A baby with Klumpke’s palsy may have a curled, claw-like hand and a weak grip, while their shoulder may still move normally. In some cases, an injury to the lower nerves can also cause a drooping eyelid on the same side of the face.
Some infants may experience damage to the entire brachial plexus, which doctors call a global or total injury. These injuries can affect the whole arm, and they tend to be the most serious. Doctors also look at how badly the nerves were hurt. A nerve that was only stretched may heal on its own, while a nerve that was torn or pulled away from the spinal cord may need surgery.
Are Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries Common?
Brachial plexus birth injuries are not common, but they are not rare either. According to Cleveland Clinic, there are two to three cases for every 1,000 births. Across the country, that adds up to thousands of affected newborns each year.
These injuries usually happen when a baby’s head and neck are pulled or stretched away from the shoulder during delivery. One of the most common causes is shoulder dystocia, a situation where the baby’s head is delivered but one shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. In these cases, medical staff will need to free the shoulder quickly, and too much force on the baby’s head or neck during that process can damage the nerves.
What Is the Recovery Rate for Brachial Plexus Injuries in Children?
The recovery rate for brachial plexus injuries in children is encouraging for many families. About 80 to 90 percent of pediatric patients with a brachial plexus injury recover from their injury with intensive occupational therapy. Occupational therapy helps a child build the strength and movement needed for everyday tasks, such as reaching, grasping, and holding objects.
Treatment for a brachial plexus injury often gets underway within the first few weeks of life. Parents usually learn gentle range-of-motion exercises to do at home several times a day. These exercises can help keep the joints flexible and prevent stiffness while the nerves heal. Many babies show clear improvement within the first few months.
A child who does not regain enough movement by around three to six months may be referred to a surgeon. Nerve surgery can involve repairing damaged nerves or moving a healthy nerve to take over the work of an injured one. Later procedures on muscles or tendons may help improve shoulder and arm function as the child grows.
Children who do not fully recover may live with lasting effects. These can include arm weakness, limited range of motion, a shorter or smaller arm on the injured side, and shoulder joint problems. Some children may need years of therapy, multiple surgeries, and ongoing medical care.
Can You Sue a Hospital for Long-Term Brachial Plexus Complications in a Child?
A hospital can be sued for long-term brachial plexus complications in a child when the injury resulted from medical negligence during labor or delivery. Medical negligence, often called medical malpractice, happens when a health care provider fails to give the level of care that a reasonably careful provider would have given in the same situation.
Hospitals can be held responsible for the actions of the nurses, residents, and other staff members they employ. Liability may also come from hospital-wide problems, such as poor staffing, inadequate training, or a failure to follow safety procedures. Doctors who deliver babies are sometimes independent contractors rather than hospital employees, so a claim may name the doctor, the hospital, or both.
