Erb's Palsy Information

Erb's palsy is a condition that can affect a person's basic functioning abilities. If your child is diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you suspect medical malpractice may have been the cause, it is important that you seek legal guidance from experienced birth injury attorneys to be sure your rights are protected.

Causes of Erb's Palsy

Erb's palsy occurs when the muscles in the upper arm and shoulder are impaired as the result of damage to the brachial plexus. In almost all instances, Erb's palsy is caused by an injury during the birth process. While it can occur naturally during a difficult birth, Erb's palsy can also be directly caused by improper birthing assistance.

Symptoms of Erb's Palsy

Depending upon the scope and severity, a person with Erb's palsy can have either complete or partial paralysis in the affected arm, with either bruised or torn nerves in the affected arm.

Erb's Palsy Treatments

The treatment for Erb's palsy depends on the condition's initial prognosis. In some cases, the child achieves full recovery without requiring any medical treatment. In other cases, transferring healthy nerves or tendons from an unaffected part of the body is the preferred treatment for Erb's palsy. In these instances, some degree of physical therapy is usually needed in order for the muscles in the arm to become fully functioning.

Long-term Prognosis

Even when treated, Erb's palsy can result in impaired functioning of the arm, impairment of the circulatory system, and stunting the growth in the parts of the affected arm. The skin's ability to heal can also be impaired. All of these factors can have a permanent impact on the child throughout his life.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Although birth injuries cannot always be prevented, exercising the highest standards of care and caution can lessen their occurrence. As a condition like Erb's palsy can have a negative effect on a person's health and quality of life, doing as much as possible to prevent it is essential. If your child has been diagnosed with this condition, it is in his best interest as well as your own to seek advice from medical malpractice attorneys. If it is concluded that your child's condition could have been prevented by proper medical care, your attorney can assist you in deciding the best course of action.