Brachial Plexus Palsy

Brachial plexus palsy is commonly caused by a birth injury, but an adult can also develop the condition after a traumatic injury to the brachial plexus network. The brachial plexus network is a series of nerves that transfers the signals between the spine, shoulders, arms, and hands. When a birth injury or traumatic injury occurs it can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis in a limb.

Not all brachial plexus injuries are the same. This is why the prognosis for brachial plexus palsy can vary from case to case. In some cases surgery and therapy can remedy a brachial plexus injury. In other cases, the damage may be too severe to repair completely.

Causes of Brachial Plexus Palsy

When brachial plexus palsy is caused by a birth injury, in many cases a doctor may be at fault for the injury. The birth injury occurs during a difficult delivery. The shoulder and upper body get caught on the mother's pelvic bone. Sometimes the injury occurs as a direct result of the child being caught in the birth canal. Other times, the injury is caused or exacerbated by the doctor's excessive or incompetent attempts to free the child.

Types of Brachial Plexus Palsy

The most common type of brachial plexus injury is called a neuropraxia. This happens when the nerve is stretched, but not torn. In cases such as this recovery may be possible with surgery and therapy. However, it is important to note that a brachial plexus injury no matter how minor can lead to permanent deformity of the muscular or skeletal structures.

There are three other types of brachial plexus injuries. The avulsion occurs when the nerve is completely ripped from the spine. A rupture occurs when the nerve is torn but not completely severed. A neuroma occurs when the nerve tear heals and scar tissue forms around the tear.

Consult a Brachial Plexus Palsy Attorney

If you suspect that medical negligence contributed to your child's birth injury, we encourage you to take a moment to get in touch with a skilled brachial plexus palsy lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your child's injuries. A brachial plexus palsy attorney can review your case to determine its validity.