Guide to Erb's Palsy

A GUIDE TO ERB'S PALSY HOW DOES ERB'S PALSY HAPPEN Erb's palsy is the result of a severe tear to a newborn's brachial plexus nerves brachial plexus nerves during a shoulder dystocia delivery, which occurs when the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone. An obstetrician can prevent Erb's palsy by anticipating shoulder dystocia before and during labor and making certain decisions to prevent injury. One to Two of Every 1000 babies have Erb's Palsy ERB'S PALSY RISK FACTORS MOTHER HAS GESTATIONAL DIABETES high blood sugar (diabetes) that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy FETUS IS VERY LARGE (MACROSOMIC) a newborn with an excessive birth weight. MOTHER HAS A SMALL PELVIS WHAT YOUR DOCTOR SHOULD HAVE DONE Recognized Erb’s risk factors Used delivery maneuvers to release shoulder Possibly provided a Caesarian-section Allowing a newborn to suffer permanent brachial plexus injuries is medical malpractice BRACHIAL PLEXUS PALSY SYMPTOMS NO ARM MOVEMENT NO STARTLE REFLEX Lack of movement of Absent reflexes in the the arm or hand affected arm BENT ARM DECREASED GRIP Arm bent at elbow and Weak grip by the affected arm held close to the body ERB'S PALSY TREATMENT Erb's palsy results in a lifetime of treatment and bills. SHORT TERMS LONG TERMS 1 Nerve surgery Physical therapy I 1 Tendon transplant surgery Occupational therapy I I Plastic surgery Hydrotherapy - Muscle and joint flexibility I exercises LIFELONG ERB'S PALSY PROBLEMS • PHYSICAL > EMOTIONAL >SOCIAL > OCCUPATIONAL Corrective surgery Frustrating daily Problems with Employment and years of physical therapy challenges caused by disability and possible physical tasks, such as childhood tying shoes, buttoning shirts, and lifting heavy stigmas, making friends, dating, to maintain best use of the arm and other social weaknesses things situations Contact attorney Larry Cohan today if you suspect your child has Erb's palsy Call Toll-Free Now: (866) 910-4242 Visit us for more details at www.larrycohan.com