What is Erb Palsy
Erb palsy is a nerve injury that happens during birth. The affected nerves (brachial plexus nerves) supply movement and feeling to the shoulder and arm.
A baby with Erb palsy has damage to the brachial plexus nerves in the shoulder, upper arm, and lower arm. Erb palsy usually does not affect the hand and fingers.
Erb palsy almost always occurs on just one side of the body. The nerves damaged in Erb palsy cause weakness and numbness. Nerve damage can range from mild to severe.
What are the causes?
Erb palsy happens when the nerves of the shoulder, upper arm, and lower arm are stretched too tight during birth.
What increases the risk?
A difficult or long delivery puts a baby at higher risk for Erb palsy. Other risk factors include having a:
- Larger than average baby.
- Bottom first delivery (breech birth).
- Long second stage of labor.
- Delivery that requires force on the baby’s neck and shoulder.
- Previous baby with Erb palsy.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Signs of Erb palsy are noticeable right after birth. Symptoms may include:
- Weakness in one arm.
- Loss of feeling and reflexes in one arm.
- Loss of movement or floppy arm.
How is this diagnosed?
Your baby’s health care provider may be able to diagnose Erb palsy during a physical exam after birth. Your baby may also need tests, such as:
- An X-ray. This ensures that there are no breaks in the neck, shoulder, or collarbone.
- An electrical nerve study (electromyogram). This measures how well nerve signals travel through the nerves of the arms and shoulder.
How is this treated?
Early treatment involves physical therapy to keep arm muscles moving and prevent stiffness. Most babies gradually recover feeling and movement within three months. Weakness or numbness that continues after six months may require surgery to reconnect the nerves.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Carefully follow all instructions from your baby’s health care provider. You play an important part in your baby’s recovery at home.
- A physical therapist may teach you exercises (range-of-motion exercises) for your baby’s arm. Make sure you understand how to do them. Perform the exercises only as directed by your baby’s physical therapist or health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your baby’s health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your baby’s condition has not improved after three months of physical therapy.
- Your
baby has increasing:
- Weakness in one arm.
- Loss of feeling and reflexes in one arm.
- Loss of movement or floppy arm.
