Three Common Treatments for Brachial Plexus Injury In Newborns

If your child has sustained a brachial plexus injury, you will generally know within the first 24 hours following his or her birth. The symptoms of brachial plexus palsy are generally apparent right after birth, because most babies will move their arms and legs. When the baby does not move his or her arm, it can be a signal that a birth injury has occurred.

A brachial plexus injury, according to MayoClinic.com is an injury “to the network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched or, in the most serious cases, torn.” This type of injury generally occurs when the shoulder is pressed down forcefully, while the head is simultaneously pushed up and away from that shoulder.

When a brachial plexus injury affects a newborn, it can lead to many complications, including the loss of muscle function or paralysis in the upper arm. It is believed that this birth injury impacts about 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 live births. Brachial plexus birth palsy can lead to different types of nerve injuries, such as avulsion, rupture, neurapraxia and neuroma.

There are treatment options available for brachial plexus injuries and many infants are able to recover. The following are the three most common brachial plexus treatments:

Range of motion exercises. Early treatment generally includes these exercises to help tone the baby’s muscle and sustain flexibility during the healing process. The arm, wrist, hand and fingers will need to be stretched and moved, usually beginning when the baby is two weeks old. These exercises will help prevent permanent contracture of the joints and muscles.

Physical therapy. Physical therapy will help increase arm strength and will assist with coordination and mobility. It can also teach the child how to perform daily functions.

Surgery. In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair the injured nerves or other damaged areas of the body. Nerve repair surgery can be done when the child is only 3 or 4 months old. The earlier the child is able to have surgery, the better.

If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury during birth, you may be able to hold the doctor responsible for medical malpractice. For more information, contact an experienced Louisville birth injury attorney at Gray and White Law at (502) 637-6000 or (800) 637-6033 for advice regarding your child’s Kentucky birth injury case.