Examining Different Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries
Brachial Plexus
birth injuries are caused when the brachial nerves are damaged during birth
. Depending on the severity of the injury, children may or may not recover on their own or through surgery.
Basics on Brachial Plexus Nerve Damage
The Brachial Plexus nerve connects the hand, wrist, and shoulder to the spine, and damage can result in:
- Lack of muscle control
- Numbness or a lack of feeling in the hand
- Arm paralysis
- Lack of sensation
Children born in the breech position or at a larger birth weight are more likely to get their shoulders impacted during birth, which in turn can cause brachial plexus palsy. If the doctor or midwife overseeing the birthing process uses forceps or vacuum assistance during a difficult labor, there is also a greater chance of brachial plexus palsy occurring.
Types of Brachial Plexus Nerve Damage
Brachial plexus birth injuries are commonly described in "degrees." The first degree, also referred to as neurapraxia, refers to damage to the insulation surrounding the nerve, but not to the nerve itself.
The second through the fifth degree of brachial plexus birth injuries refer to specific levels of nerve damage, with the fifth degree actually denoting a fully severed nerve.
If you hear brachial plexus nerve damage referred to as terms instead of in degrees, use this guide to define the level of nerve damage:
- Avulsions occur when the spinal cord separates from nerve roots and cannot be repaired with surgery.
- Ruptures are a common form of brachial plexus palsy and occur when the nerve is torn (the nerve is not detached from the spinal cord).
- Neurapraxia is the most common brachial plexus palsy, which features stretched but not torn nerves. Surgical intervention may not be necessary.
- Neuroma is when scar tissue interferes with nerve function. It can be surgically treated.
Treatments for Brachial Plexus Injuries
One of the most positive aspects of brachial plexus injuries is that (depending on the degree) they can heal on their own. Even without treatment, some children recover between three and four months, and most patients with neurapraxia regain 90-100% return of functionality to the limb.
In the case of ruptures and neuroma, surgery is more common, especially in conjunction with physical therapy. Since brachial plexus might cause discomfort, it is treated with Cesamet and Lyrica.
If your child has a brachial plexus injury and you a medical professional may have been responsible for the injury, complete our short questionnaire and get connected with a
personal injury attorney specialixing in
medical malpractice in your area.