Brachial plexus palsy, also known as Erb’s palsy or Erb-Duchenne palsy, is a condition that affects the brachial plexus, a network of nerves responsible for movement andsensation in the arm and shoulder. This injury typically occurs during childbirth whenexcessive force is negligently (carelessly) applied to the baby’s head and neck by a medical professional, causing damage to the nerves. There is the potential for long-term complications as a result of these injuries that could significantly impact the child’s quality of life.
Persistent Weakness and Paralysis
One of the most common long-term complications of brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) is persistent weakness in the affected arm. Brachial plexus injuries often lead to partial or complete paralysis of the muscles that control the shoulder, arm, and hand. Many affected children continue to experience muscle weakness, making it difficult for them to perform everyday tasks like lifting objects, holding on to items or engaging in physical activities such as sports. In severe cases, the arm may remain permanently paralyzed, limiting the individual’s ability to use it for functional tasks.
This persistent weakness can also result in muscle atrophy, where the muscles in the affected arm shrink or weaken due to lack of use. This can cause the arm to appear smaller than the unaffected arm leading to noticeable asymmetry in size and strength.
Limited Range of Motion
Another significant long-term complication of brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) is a reduced range of motion in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The damage to the brachial plexus nerves can affect the muscles responsible for moving these joints, making it difficult or even impossible for the individual to achieve full movement. For example, many children with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) have difficulty raising their arms above their heads, fully extending their elbows, or rotating their wrists. Over time, this limited range of motion can lead to contractures, where the muscles and tendons shorten, causing the joints to become permanently fixed in a bent or awkward position.
Contractures can severely restrict movement, making it challenging for children to perform basic activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, or feeding themselves. These limitations can also contribute to a loss of independence, particularly as the child grows older and becomes more reliant on others for assistance.
Abnormal Arm Development
Children with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) may experience abnormal development of the affected arm due to the nerve damage. The lack of proper muscle activation can affect bone growth, leading to shorter bones in the arm and shoulder. This condition, known as growth retardation, can result in the affected arm being visibly shorter than the unaffected arm. This discrepancy in limb length can become more pronounced as the child grows, leading to additional functional and cosmetic concerns.
In some cases, the abnormal development of the arm may also contribute to joint deformities such as shoulder or elbow dislocations. The weakened muscles around the joints may be unable to provide adequate support, leading to instability and an increased risk of joint misalignment or dislocation. This can cause chronic pain and further limit the individual’s ability to use the affected arm.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is another long-term complication that can arise from brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy). While a few individuals with this condition experience little pain, others may develop persistent discomfort in the affected arm and shoulder. This pain can result from nerve damage, muscle weakness, joint deformities, or contractures. In some cases, individuals may experience neuropathic pain, which is caused by abnormal signals from the damaged nerves. This type of pain can be particularly difficult to manage and may interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being.
Functional Limitations and Disability
The physical impairments associated with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) can lead to significant functional limitations and, in some cases, long-term disability. Many individuals with this condition struggle with tasks that require the use of both arms, such as carrying heavy objects, typing, or playing musical instruments. These functional limitations can affect various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social interactions.
For children with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy), participation in physical activities, such as sports or playground games, may be limited due to their reduced strength and range of motion. This can result in feelings of exclusion or frustration, as they may be unable to keep up with their peers. As they grow older, these functional limitations may also impact their career choices, particularly with professions that require physical labor or fine motor skills. In severe cases, individuals with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) may be considered disabled, requiring accommodations at school or work to help them perform daily tasks. This can include assistive devices, such as braces, splints, or adaptive technology, as well as modifications to their work environment.
Psychological and Emotional Impact
Living with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) can have a profound psychological and emotional impact, particularly for individuals who experience significant functional limitations or visible differences in their appearance. Many children with this condition may feel self-conscious about the size and shape of their affected arm, especially if it is noticeably smaller or weaker than their other arm. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment, social isolation, or bullying from peers.
As they grow older, individuals with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) may also struggle with feelings of frustration or helplessness due to their physical limitations. They may find it difficult to participate in activities they enjoy or pursue certain career paths, leading to a sense of loss or disappointment. In some cases, these emotional challenges can contribute to mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which may require professional support and intervention.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
The costs of caring for a child with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) or Klumpke’s palsy can add up very quickly. If your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence (carelessness), you may be able to seek compensation for damages including loss of earnings, medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, ongoing treatment and therapies, psychological counseling, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
The experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. One of our clients secured a $2,850,000 verdict that was reduced by the appeals court to $1,846,000 because the verdict was so large. This was the highest amount upheld by the appellate (appeals) courts for many, many years. In addition we recovered $1,400,000 for a newborn who lost motion in the arm during birth due to doctors applying incorrect force on the baby’s head. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
We have seen cases where New York City Health and Hospital Corporation facilities deliver babies who are born with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) stemming from negligence (carelessness) and/or medical malpractice in the labor and delivery etc. of the children.
The following list identifies some of these hospitals (operated by New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation):
- Jacobi Hospital aka Bronx Municipal 1400 Pelham Parkway South Bronx, New York 10461 718-918-5000
- Lincoln Hospital 234 East 149th Street Bronx, New York 10451 718-579-5000
- North Central Bronx Hospital 3424 Kossuth Avenue Bronx, New York 10467 718-519-5000
- Coney Island Hospital 2601 Ocean Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11235 718-616-3000
- Kings County Hospital 451 Clarkson Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11203 718-245-3131
- Woodhull Hospital 760 Broadway Brooklyn, New York 11206 718-963-8000
- Bellevue Hospital 462 First Avenue New York, New York 10016 212-562-5555
- Harlem Hospital 506 Lenox Avenue New York, New York 10037 212-939-1000
- Metropolitan Hospital 1901 First Avenue New York, New York 10029 212-423-6262
- Elmhurst Hospital 79-01 Broadway Elmhurst, New York 11373 718-334-4000
- Queens Hospital Center 82-68 164th Street Jamaica, New York 11432 718-883-3000
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