Erb’s Palsy, a form of brachial plexus palsy, occurs in one or two of every thousand births. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves near the neck that link to the nerves of the arm and shoulder. Fortunately for Texas families, most instances of this condition are relatively minor. The child quickly recovers the ability to feel and move the arm, and physical therapy allows the damaged nerves to heal.
However, there are four types of nerve injuries that may result. A shock is the minor one and most common, but there may also be stretching, rupturing or tearing of the nerves. The three more serious injuries typically result in some degree of permanent injury. As all four types of injury have similar symptoms of loss of feeling and partial or complete paralysis, it is essential to get a proper diagnosis of the severity of the injury.
Some of the common causes of a brachial plexus injury are from difficult labors due to a large child, a breech presentation or a prolonged labor. There is also the possibility that such an injury occurs if the individual delivering the child exerts force or twists the neck area in an effort to affect a quick delivery.
When a child is born with a birth injury, the parents and family are understandably in shock. Treatment options and the prognosis for recovery are paramount, and the doctor or medical facility may be at fault. A medical malpractice lawyer might help explain how a procedure may have been done improperly and the potential options for compensation depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
