INFORMATION ON BRACHIAL PLEXUS BIRTH INJURIES

Brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Brachial plexus injuries are caused by damage to that nerves.The incidence rate is 0.3 to 2 per 1,000 births, with most brachial plexus injuries identified immediately in the acute setting.

There are four types of brachial plexus injuries:

1. Avulsion in which the nerve is torn from the spine.
2. Rupture in which the nerve is torn but not at the spinal attachment.
3. Neuronal in which the nerve has tried to heal itself but scar tissue has grown around the injury.
4. Neuropraxia in which the nerve has been damaged but not torn.

SYNONYMS OF BRACHIAL PLEXUS BIRTH INJURIES

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy.
2. Obstetrical paralysis.
3. Lower plexus paralysis.
4. Klumpke palsy.

CAUSES OF BRACHIAL PLEXUS BIRTH INJURIES

Brachial plexus injuries are caused by damage to those nerves which conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand.

SYMPTOMS OF BRACHIAL PLEXUS BIRTH INJURIES

Symptoms may includes:

1. A limp or paralyzed arm.
2. Lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist.
3. Lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand.
4. Brachial plexus injuries.
5. A limp or paralyzed arm.
6. Lack of muscle control in the arm.

TREATMENT OF BRACHIAL PLEXUS BIRTH INJURIES

Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. Many children who are injured during birth improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age. Treatment for brachial plexus injuries includes physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.