Questions about Erb’s Palsy
In New York and New Jersey
What is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s (or Erbs) Palsy is a preventable birth injury due to a complication called shoulder dystocia. This occurs when the head has been delivered, but the shoulders are stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. This can lead to several different types of injuries affecting the brachial plexus, the nerve bundle that controls the shoulder, arm, and hand muscles. Erb’s Palsy is the medical term for paralysis of this affected area.
Can Erb’s Palsy be treated?
Erb’s Palsy can be treated. It may require surgery to repair the damaged nerves, and almost always includes physical therapy. Some babies will fully recover use of their arm, but some will have life-long problems due to their injury. Early detection and treatment is key to your baby’s outcome with Erb’s Palsy.
Are some mothers more likely to have babies born with shoulder dystocia than others?
The risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia are, or should be, apparent to your doctor prior to your child’s birth. The mothers most likely to have babies who encounter shoulder dystocia are:
- Obese mothers or those with large weight gains during pregnancy
- Older mothers
- Short or small mothers
- Mothers with diabetes
- Large babies
- Overdue babies
- Breech birth
- Prolonged labor
Is there a way to minimize the chance for shoulder dystocia?
The most reliable way to reduce the chances for shoulder dystocia and Erb’s Palsy is a Cesarean section (C-section) birth. However, shoulder dystocia may not be noticeable until the baby is being born, and a C-section is too late. There are other methods your doctor can use to relieve a shoulder dystocia, including the McRoberts maneuver, suprapubic pressure, Wood’s corkscrew, and delivery of the posterior arm.
If your child was born with a preventable birth injury like Erb’s Palsy in the New York or New Jersey area, please contact the experienced Erb’s Palsy attorneys at Trief & Olk for an initial consultation. We also serve clients nationwide.
