A diagnosis of Erb’s Palsy can be distressing for any parent, especially when faced with concerns about how the injury occurred, the long-term effects on your child, what future care looks like and if it could have been prevented. You may be looking to understand what causes Erb’s Palsy, explore the treatment options, and even decide whether to seek legal advice.
At the Medical Law Partnership, our team supports families affected by avoidable birth injuries, including Erb’s Palsy, and we’ve got all the details you need to make an informed decision before you choose whether to claim. Read our blog below to find out more about Erb’s Palsy, the symptoms to keep an eye out for, the treatment available, and whether you may be able to make a medical negligence claim.
What is Erb’s Palsy?
Also known as Erb-Duchenne palsy, Erb’s Palsy is a condition that affects how nerves control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm and hand. It typically occurs when the brachial plexus (a network of nerves running from the neck to the arm) is damaged, most often during childbirth.
The severity of the injury can vary, from mild stretching of the nerves – to more serious cases where they are torn or even detached. This damage can lead to a range of symptoms that affect day-to-day life, including paralysis, weakness, numbness, and more.
Who is most affected by Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy mostly affects newborns – specifically babies who might have experienced complications during labour or delivery. Those with the most risk of being diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy include babies with a higher than average birth weight, those delivered in a breech position, or those delivered with medical instruments like forceps.
What are the symptoms of Erb’s Palsy?
Paralysis/weakness
Weakness or paralysis in the shoulder and arm, as well as the elbow is one of the most noticeable symptoms of Erb’s Palsy. The arm may hang limply by the side of the body, or the newborn may even be unable to lift and bend their elbow.
Numbness/sensory loss
Another symptom of Erb’s Palsy is reduced sensation and tingling or even numbness in the hand or arm due to nerve damage. In some cases, this loss of sensation can make it hard for the infant to feel temperature, pain, or touch, which increases the risk of accidental injury that goes untreated.
Loss of reflexes
In the affected arm, newborns with Erb’s Palsy might have reflexes that are diminished or absent. When this shows up after childbirth, it can be an early, clinical indicator of nerve injury.
What causes Erb’s Palsy in infants?
Shoulder Dystocia
The most common cause of Erb’s Palsy in infants is Shoulder Dystocia. This is a term used to describe how a baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind a mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. In these cases, doctors may be required to perform additional medical manoeuvres to release it safely.
Birth traction
In some cases, if doctors use excessive force on the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders during delivery, this can sometimes damage the nerves in this area and cause Erb’s Palsy.
Delivery issues
Breech deliveries where the baby is positioned feet first rather than head first, or even prolonged labours, can contribute to a baby being born with Erb’s Palsy. But you can only claim medical negligence if you can prove poor clinical management was involved.
Who is responsible for causing Erb’s Palsy?
Not all cases of Erb’s Palsy are caused by medical negligence; sometimes, pregnancies and following deliveries can be difficult, and the negative effects are beyond control. However, medical professionals may be considered negligent if they have failed to provide an appropriate standard of care, including:
- Applied excessive force
- Misused delivery tools
- Failed to perform a C-section when risk factors were high
- Failed to follow proper procedures to release a stuck shoulder
Can Erb’s Palsy be treated?
Like many conditions, how well Erb’s Palsy can be treated depends on the severity of the injury. The most common types of treatment include:
Physiotherapy
Similar to any physical injury, physiotherapy is usually the first line of treatment. In some cases, gentle movements can help maintain a range of motion, as well as preventing stiffness and strengthening muscles whilst the nerve heals.
Occupational therapy
As the child grows and their muscles and motor skills develop, occupational therapy might be beneficial as it can help to improve functional use of the arm for everyday activities, such as feeding, getting dressed, writing, and playing.
Surgery
In the most severe cases where the condition is hard to manage, doctors might turn to surgery for treatment. This is usually pursued after 3-6 months if symptoms don’t change or conditions worsen. Surgery will typically be followed by a structured rehabilitation programme for the newborn and their parents.
When should I seek legal advice for Erb’s Palsy?
If you’ve recently given birth and your child has been diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy – and you think the injury was preventable – you should seek legal advice right away. Consider exploring a claim if:
- The delivery of your baby was rushed and poorly managed
- Excessive force was used when the baby was delivered
- You pointed out concerns that were ignored
- Risk factors weren’t acknowledged and therefore not mitigated/removed
- There was a delay when responding to any complications
It’s always best to seek legal advice as soon as you believe you have a claim. This way, you can better understand your rights, access specialist medical opinions, and discover how you can secure compensation to fund treatment costs.
Speak to the experts at the Medical Law Partnership today
Medical negligence can have a profound impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. At the Medical Law Partnership, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help you secure the justice you and your child deserve. If you’re considering a claim but aren’t sure where to start, our expert team will guide you every step of the way; handling the entire process on your behalf.
We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means you have no financial risk when starting a claim. Moreover, if you have an unsuccessful claim, you won’t have to pay us anything. Get in touch with one of our experienced team members today for more information.