Knowing the complications of Erb’s palsy

Erb’s Palsy is a birth disorder that happens when there is an injury to a network of spinal nerves located between the neck and the arm called the brachial plexus. It can affect all or a portion of the arms, shoulder, and hands, and is characterized by muscle weakness of the upper limbs, sometimes even partial or complete paralysis.

With proper treatment, a majority of Erb’s palsy cases are resolved within three to six months after birth. In fact, 70% to 80% of Erb’s palsy cases resolve in the baby’s first year of life. However, severe Erb’s palsy may cause long-term, sometimes even life-long complications. Complications include:

  • Complete or partial paralysis
  • Muscle atrophy, or the shrinking of muscle tissue due to absent or compromised nerve stimulation. Individuals with severe Erb’s palsy may have an affected arm that is thinner and shorter than the other one
  • Impaired bone growth due to a decreased or absent motion
  • Joint disorders

At the Driscoll Firm, we help families whose children have suffered from Erb’s Palsy due to medical negligence recover damages from the party responsible. Call us at (800) 900-7704 and have your case assessed for free.


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