Alternative Names
Klumpke paralysis; Erb-Duchenne paralysis; Erb’s palsy
Definition of Brachial palsy in newborns
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.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The nerves of the brachial plexus can be injured during a difficult delivery from:
Symptoms
Symptoms can be seen immediately or soon after birth, and may include:
Signs and tests
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.
Treatment
Gentle 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.
Expectations (prognosis)
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.
Review
Kimberly G. Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 12/11/2009
