Brachial Plexus Palsy -
Erb’s Palsy
Brachial Plexus Palsy, also known as Erb’s Palsy
is a condition in which there is damage to nerves connecting the spinal
cord to the wrist, shoulder, and arm. This results in either complete
paralysis or impaired use of the arm or hand. Nerves of the brachial
plexus can be injured at any time, but most cases occur during the
birth process. Symptoms of this injury include lack of muscle control
and limpness of the arm.
Neuropraxia is the most common form of brachial palsy.
This is when the nerves have been damaged, not torn completely. There
are other types known as neuroma, avulsion, and rupture. Neuroma is
described as when damaged nerves try to heal themselves but form an
excess amount of scar tissue in the process. This tissue puts pressure
on the nerve, causing its function of sending signals to the muscles to
a halt. Avulsion is defined as the nerve tearing at the spinal
attachment, where as rupture occurs when stretching causes the nerve to
tear at any point except the spinal attachment.
These brachial plexus injuries are
caused by severe damage to the brachial plexus nerves, and usually
happen during birth. Any position that causes too much pressure on the
baby’s head or neck area can result in this damage. Out of every
thousand infants, approximately two to three suffer from this birth
injury. There are some cases in which these nerves can be damaged in a
car, motorcycle or boat accidents. Basically a direct injury to the
area can damage the nerves.
Brachial plexus palsy
results from damage to nerves connecting the spine to the shoulder,
arm, and hand. Characteristics of brachial plexus palsy include
paralysis and loss of sensation or muscle control. Brachial plexus
palsy is classified according to location of the damage: a complete
brachial plexus palsy involves all five nerves in the brachial plexus,
"Erb's Palsy" affects the upper plexus, while brachial plexus palsy
that occurs in the lower plexus is known as "Klumpke's Palsy." Brachial
plexus palsy varies depending on the significance of the nerve damage.
Brachial plexus palsy
resulting from avulsion or rupture involves severed nerve tissue and is
generally irreversible, while brachial plexus palsy from neuroma
injuries can be reversed by surgically removing scar tissue around the
nerves. Brachial plexus palsy in all forms can be treated through
focused occupational and physical therapy-80% of brachial plexus palsy
cases do not require surgical intervention to heal. It is essential
that anyone suffering from brachial plexus palsy begin treatment as
soon as possible. Newborns diagnosed with brachial plexus palsy
generally see a physical therapist within the first two weeks to begin
rehabilitation.
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