Brachial Plexus Symptoms

In New York and New Jersey

Damage to the brachial plexus nerves manifests in a number of ways ranging from mild to severe and from temporary to permanent, including:

• Klumpke’s Palsy, which is a paralysis of the thoracic nerves, often causing the hand to be limp with immovable fingers.
• Horner’s Syndrome, caused by damage to the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in eyelid droop and a smaller pupil.
• Complete Brachial Plexus Palsy, which occurs when all five nerves of the brachial plexus are affected, resulting in paralysis of the entire arm.
• Erb’s Palsy, which is caused by paralysis of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves, resulting in the arm being turned towards the body and the hand turned backward with no movement at the elbow.

Consequences vary widely and include:

• Complete paralysis of the arm and hand
• No muscle control over the affected area
• Some movement in the arm, but limited control over the wrist and hand
• Use of the hand with limited use of the shoulder or elbow
• Limp hand with immovable fingers
• Eyelid droop and small pupil
• An internally rotated and abducted arm and wrist, somewhat flexible depending on the level of lesion
• Scapular winging (a.k.a winging scapular)
• Phrenic nerve damage (causing paralysis of the diaphragm)

Brachial Plexus Attorneys in New Yrok and New Jersey

At Trief & Olk, we have extensive experience in litigating such birth injury cases. They can be complex and time-consuming lawsuits, as many expert witnesses may have to be deposed and medical records interpreted. You are in safe hands with our medical malpractice attorneys and we invite you to
contact our office today for a free case evaluation. Trief & Olk proudly serves clients throughout New York and New Jersey.