A brachial plexus injury is an injury to the nerves in the shoulder that control the arm and the hand. In the context of newborns, many brachial plexus injuries are caused by negligent doctors damaging the nerve cluster.
Recognizing the signs of a brachial plexus injury is crucial for early intervention. As a parent, you may notice:
- Weakness or paralysis in one arm: Your baby may have difficulty moving their affected arm or may not move it at all.
- Lack of sensation: Your child may not react to touch on the affected arm.
- Abnormal arm position: The injured arm might be bent at the elbow and held against the body.
Other symptoms can include:
- Reduced grip strength in the affected hand
- Impaired reflexes in the arm
- Lack of muscle control in the shoulder, arm, or hand
If you observe any of these signs, seek medical treatment and then contact a Connecticut birth injury lawyer for further advice. The causes of brachial plexus injuries in adults are different than for infants and newborns. You may have a medical malpractice case.
What Is the Brachial Plexus?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spinal cord through the neck and into the arm. This bundle of nerves controls muscle function and sensation in your child’s shoulder, arm, and hand.
When these nerves are damaged during birth, it can result in a brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus includes five main nerves:
- The upper trunk (C5-C6)
- The middle trunk (C7)
- The lower trunk (C8-T1)
Each nerve plays a specific role in arm movement and sensation and runs from the spinal column through the shoulder and down into the arm. Damage to any part of this network can lead to varying degrees of impairment.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
What Are the Different Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries?
Brachial plexus injuries can range from mild to severe. Some damage types have named conditions like Erb’s palsy. Understanding the different types of nerve damage can help you grasp the potential impact on your child’s future:
- Neuropraxia: This is the mildest form. It occurs when the nerves are stretched more than they should be. It typically heals on its own within a few months.
- Neuroma: In this case, scar tissue forms around the injured nerve, potentially impacting its function.
- Rupture: This more severe injury involves a tear in the nerve, but not at the spinal cord attachment point.
- Avulsion: The most severe type, where the nerve is torn from the spinal cord. This often requires surgical intervention, but it may be permanent.
What Is the Long-Term Outlook for Children With Brachial Plexus Injuries?
Each type of brachial plexus injury requires different treatment approaches and can have varying long-term effects on your child’s mobility and sensation. Many children with mild injuries recover fully with proper care and therapy.
For more severe cases, the outlook may include:
- Ongoing physical therapy: To maintain and improve arm function
- Potential surgical interventions: To repair nerve damage or improve mobility
- Occupational therapy: Learning new ways to perform daily activities
With advancements in medical treatments and early intervention, many children with brachial plexus injuries go on to lead fulfilling lives. However, some may face ongoing challenges that require long-term support and care.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Can Brachial Plexus Injuries Heal on Their Own?
The potential for spontaneous healing in brachial plexus injuries depends mainly on the type and severity of the injury. In some cases, the nerves can recover on their own within a few months.
However, not all brachial plexus injuries heal without intervention. Even with spontaneous healing, physical therapy may be necessary to regain full function. More severe injuries, such as ruptures or avulsions, typically require medical intervention.
Work closely with your child’s medical team to monitor progress and determine if additional treatments are necessary. Early intervention can significantly impact the long-term outcome of your child’s injury.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
How Can Medical Negligence Cause Brachial Plexus Injuries?
While not all brachial plexus injuries are preventable, some cases result from medical negligence during childbirth. This can be caused by:
- Excessive force during delivery: If a healthcare provider uses too much force when assisting with a difficult delivery, it can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves.
- Improper use of birthing tools: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can lead to brachial plexus injuries.
- Failure to recognize and respond to risk factors: Certain conditions, such as macrosomia (large baby size) or shoulder dystocia, increase the risk of brachial plexus injuries. Failure to identify and appropriately manage these risks can be considered negligence.
- Delayed C-section: In some cases, failing to perform a timely C-section when complications arise can result in a brachial plexus injury.
If you suspect that medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury, seek legal advice to understand your options by contacting a brachial plexus lawyer for a free consultation.
How Can the Birth Injury Lawyers Group Help With a Brachial Plexus Injury?
Birth Injury Lawyers Group understands the challenges of brachial plexus injuries in infants. We’re here to help you get answers about what happened and fight for your child’s rights.
Our compassionate team is here to listen to your story and help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Contact us today to learn more about us and ask for a free consultation with a birth injury lawyer in your state.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."