Erb's palsy – Paralysis of the brachial plexus
Description Erb's palsy
Erb's palsy occurs, when the neck of the child stretched during childbirth. This can result in damage to the nerves of the neck and shoulder. Nerve damage can lead to malfunction Some muscles of the hand of the child. Over time, the disease is muscle and normal operation is restored. In some cases, recovery takes a long time.
Causes Erb's palsy
Erb's palsy, usually, may cause:
- Long-term, difficult delivery;
- Large child;
- Shoulder dystocia;
- Breech presentation.
Risk Factors Erb's palsy
Factors, which increase the likelihood of having a baby with Erb's palsy:
- The birth of a large baby in the previous birth;
- Long previous generations;
- Gestatsionnыy diabetes.
Tell your doctor, if you have any of these risk factors.
Symptoms of Erb's palsy
Erb's palsy is usually detected after birth due to the typical signs and symptoms, such as:
- The inability of the child to move the arm or shoulder;
- Hand bent inward, body;
- Weak or absent reflexes in the arm;
- Loss of sensation in the hand.
Diagnosis of Erb's palsy
Your doctor may:
- Ask about the child's symptoms and medical history to explore it;
- Medical examination;
- Assign Tests, such as:
- Roentgen – test, which uses X-rays, to make pictures of structures inside the body, most bone and joints;
- MRT – examination, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the body. Can detect damage to bones or joints;
- Rheotachygraphy (DOH) – test, that measures and records the electrical activity of muscles;
- Measurement of nerve conduction – test, which measures the speed and strength of electrical activity of nerves.
Treatment of Erb's palsy
Treatment may:
- Physical therapy and activity – help to keep joints and muscles flexible and strong child. You must take an active role in moving the arm and hand of the child. It is also recommended to make regular child massage;
- Operation – It may be recommended in cases, when it is not observed any improvement.
When the child gets older, могут быть рекомендованы другие методы лечения, such as:
- Autographs of nerve fibers (operation, allowing to restore the functionality of muscles);
- Operation on the bones or joints (for deformity correction).
Prevention Erb's palsy
To reduce the likelihood of a child's Erb's palsy:
- Regular antenatal care during pregnancy;
- Tell your doctor, if previous deliveries have been difficult.
