Brachial Plexus Injuries at Birth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Childbirth is a miracle that brings great joy. But this joy can be shattered due to unforeseen complications. One such concern is brachial plexus injuries, affecting the nerves that control movement and sensation in the arm. 

Imagine the excitement of welcoming your newborn. As you hold your precious child, you notice a weakness or lack of movement in one arm. This realization can be frightening and confusing. If you suspect your child has a brachial plexus injury, you're not alone. Here, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for brachial plexus injuries at birth.

Remember, you are not alone. If your child has a brachial plexus injury or any other birth injuries, Rasansky Law Firm is here to help. Contact our Dallas personal injury law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

What You Need to Know About Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves in the neck and shoulder area. These nerves are responsible for movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, and fingers. During a difficult delivery, excessive force or stretching on the baby's head and neck can injure these nerves. This can result in varying degrees of weakness, paralysis, or lack of sensation in the affected arm.

What are the Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries?

Several factors can increase the risk of brachial plexus injuries during childbirth. Here are some of the most common:

Baby's Position

When a baby is positioned feet-first (breech) in the birth canal, it can make delivery more challenging and put extra strain on the neck and shoulders.

Large Baby Size

Bigger babies naturally put more stress on the birth canal. This can increase the risk of needing interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction, which, if used with too much force, can injure the brachial plexus nerves.

Difficult Delivery

Sometimes, deliveries can become unexpectedly complicated. In these situations, maneuvers like using forceps or a vacuum to assist with delivery can potentially injure the nerves.

Maternal Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes in the mother can lead to a larger baby, making them more susceptible to birth injuries like brachial plexus injuries.

If you have any concerns about your child's birth or suspect they might have a brachial plexus injury, speak to your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of your child’s recovery.

Symptoms of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial plexus injuries can cause weakness, paralysis, or a lack of feeling in the arm, but how can you tell if your baby might be affected? Here are some signs to watch for:

Weakness or Limpness

This can be the most obvious sign. Does your baby seem to favor one arm, or is one arm noticeably weaker or floppier than the other? This weakness might make it difficult for them to raise their arm, grasp objects, or bring their hand to their mouth.

Lack of Movement

Does your baby struggle to move a particular arm or hand as much as the other? Observe their spontaneous movements and see if there's a clear difference in how they use their arms.

Abnormal Arm Position

Sometimes, a baby with a brachial plexus injury might hold their affected arm in a fixed position, close to their body, or with the wrist bent.

Uneven Moro Reflex

The Moro reflex is a startle response where babies throw their arms out and then bring them together. If your baby only exhibits this reflex on one side, it could be a sign of an injury on the other.

Remember, these are just some possible signs, and not every baby with a brachial plexus injury will experience all of them. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your pediatrician right away. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for maximizing your child's recovery potential.

Treatment Options for Brachial Plexus Injuries

The good news is that most babies with brachial plexus injuries experience some degree of recovery. The type of treatment your child receives will depend on the severity of the nerve damage. Here are some common treatment options for brachial plexus injuries:

Physical Therapy

This is the foundation of treatment for brachial plexus injuries. Think of it like gentle exercise specifically designed for your child. 

A physical therapist will work with your child to improve their range of motion, strengthen muscles, and develop better coordination in the affected arm. These exercises can be playful and engaging, making them easier for your child to participate in.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help children learn to perform everyday activities like dressing, eating, and playing, despite any limitations caused by the injury. They can suggest creative ways to adapt tasks or recommend helpful tools to make things easier for your child.

Medication

In some cases, medication might be used to manage pain or muscle stiffness (spasticity) that can sometimes accompany brachial plexus injuries.

Surgery

If the nerve damage is severe, surgery might be necessary. This could involve repairing damaged nerves, transplanting muscles, or performing other procedures to improve muscle function.

Remember, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for maximizing your child's recovery potential. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's treatment plan, discuss them openly with your doctor.

When to Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer

If you suspect your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury at birth, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for maximizing your child's recovery potential. Additionally, you may want to consider contacting a birth injury lawyer if:

• You believe the injury was caused by medical negligence during childbirth.
• You have concerns about the quality of care your baby received.
• You have questions about your child's long-term prognosis and potential need for future treatment.

Rasansky Law Firm: Here for You

At Rasansky Law Firm, we understand the emotional and financial toll that a birth injury can have on a family. If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury at birth, we can help you navigate your legal options and fight for the compensation your child deserves. 

We have a team of experienced Dallas birth injury lawyers who are dedicated to protecting the rights of children and their families.

Schedule a free consultation with a Dallas birth injury attorney at Rasansky Law Firm today by calling (214) 651-6100 or filling out this form. Our team can review your case and answer your questions about brachial plexus injuries and potential legal recourse.