When a child experiences a birth injury, what should be a joyful occasion can turn stressful for parents. Birth injuries often happen due to complications during delivery and can sometimes result from medical mistakes. Erb’s palsy, one such injury, affects the nerves in the shoulder and arm, causing potential physical challenges for the child.
What is Erb’s palsy?
This condition occurs when the brachial plexus nerves, responsible for controlling the shoulder, arm and elbow, are stretched or damaged during childbirth. This may happen if the baby is in an awkward position or if extra force is used when guiding the baby through the birth canal. Common symptoms include:
- Paralysis in the shoulder, arm or elbow.
- Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand.
- The “waiter’s tip” position, where the palm faces backward and the fingers curl inward.
In many cases, physical therapy can help with recovery, but some children may face lasting effects.
Long-term effects of Erb’s palsy
If left untreated or if the damage is severe, Erb’s palsy can lead to several long-term issues. Some children recover fully, but others may face lasting challenges with nerve function and mobility. Here are some of the potential long-term effects:
- Reduced muscle strength/ atrophy: When the nerves remain damaged, the muscles they control may not develop fully, leading to ongoing weakness in the affected arm.
- Joint mobility problems: The shoulder, elbow and wrist joints may not function normally, limiting the child’s ability to move the arm freely and perform daily tasks.
- Impaired bone growth: The affected arm may not grow at the same rate as the healthy arm, causing size differences between the limbs.
- Early-onset arthritis: Damage to joints and abnormal movement patterns can result in osteoarthritis, which may develop at a younger age.
- Coordination and balance difficulties: Ongoing nerve damage can impact balance and coordination, making activities that require both hands or whole-body coordination more challenging.
If your child’s Erb’s palsy resulted from medical negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Legal support will help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
