Klumpke’s and Erb’s Palsy are brachial plexus injuries but affect different parts of this nerve network. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spinal cord through the neck and into the arm.
These nerves control movement and feeling in the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. Brachial plexus injuries occur when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or torn. In newborns, these injuries often happen during a difficult delivery.
If you’re a parent reading this, you’re likely confused about the differences between Klumpke’s Palsy and Erb’s Palsy. You want answers. A Phoenix Erb’s palsy lawyer can help you determine if these injuries were caused by medical malpractice and how you can get compensation for your baby. Here are the differences to know.
What Is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy, also known as Erb-Duchenne Palsy, is the more common of the two conditions. It affects the upper part of the brachial plexus, which controls shoulder and elbow movements. The neurologist Wilhelm Erb first described it.
Erb’s Palsy occurs in about 1-2 of every 1,000 births. Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy include:
- Weakness or paralysis in the affected arm
- The arm may be bent at the elbow and held against the body
- Limited ability to raise the arm
- Decreased grip strength
- Loss of sensation in the arm
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What Is Klumpke’s Palsy?
Klumpke’s Palsy, also called Klumpke’s Paralysis or Dejerine-Klumpke Palsy, is less common than Erb’s Palsy. It affects the lower part of the brachial plexus and the control of the hand and the wrist. Klumpke’s Palsy is much rarer than Erb’s Palsy.
Symptoms of Klumpke’s Palsy include:
- Weakness or paralysis in the hand and wrist
- The hand may take on a claw-like appearance
- Limited ability to grip or make fine motor movements
- Loss of sensation in the hand and forearm
- In some cases, drooping of the eyelid on the affected side (Horner’s syndrome)
How do the Causes of Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy Differ?
While these injuries can occur during normal deliveries, they’re often associated with difficult births or medical negligence. While both conditions are brachial plexus injuries that can occur during childbirth, how they happen differs. Our birth injury lawyers explain the differences between Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy below.
Erb’s Palsy often occurs when the baby’s head and neck are pulled to the side during a difficult delivery. This can happen when the shoulders get stuck during delivery (shoulder dystocia) or from excessive pulling on the shoulders during a breech delivery.
Klumpke’s Palsy is more likely to occur when the baby’s arms are excessively stretched above the head during delivery. This can happen during a breech delivery when the arms are pulled overhead, which may result from hyperextension of the arm during delivery.
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How Are Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy Diagnosed?
The diagnosis process for both conditions is similar:
- Physical examination: The doctor will observe your baby’s arm movements and reflexes.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to assess bone and soft tissue damage.
- Nerve conduction studies: These tests can determine the extent of nerve damage.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity in muscles.
The critical difference in diagnosis is the location of the weakness or paralysis: upper arm for Erb’s Palsy and hand and wrist for Klumpke’s Palsy.
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What Are the Treatment Options for Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy?
Treatment approaches for both conditions are similar:
- Physical therapy: Gentle exercises can help maintain range of motion and prevent joint stiffness.
- Occupational therapy: This helps children learn to perform daily tasks with their affected arm.
- Splinting or bracing: These devices can help position the arm correctly to promote healing.
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation: This technique may help improve muscle strength.
- Surgery: In severe cases or when there’s no improvement after several months, surgical intervention may be necessary.
What Is the Prognosis for Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy?
Many infants with Erb’s Palsy recover completely within the first year. Mild cases often resolve with physical therapy alone. More severe cases may require surgery, resulting in long-term weakness or limited range of motion.
The prognosis for Klumpke’s Palsy is generally more guarded. Complete recovery is less common than with Erb’s Palsy. Many children with Klumpke’s Palsy will have some degree of permanent hand weakness or sensory loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best possible outcome for both forms of palsy.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Klumpke’s Palsy and Erb’s Palsy is an important first step in advocating for your child’s care correctly if they’ve suffered a brachial plexus injury. If your child has been diagnosed with either of these conditions, and you suspect medical negligence may have played a role, we’re here to help.
At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we understand the emotional and financial challenges that come with a birth injury diagnosis. Learn more about us in a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
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