Erb’s palsy is a condition of the shoulder and arm that is common in babies. In this article, we'll define the term “Erb’s palsy” and explain how it relates to birth injury law. 

Key Takeaways

• Erb’s palsy is a nerve condition of the shoulder and arm that results in weakness or loss of muscle function
• Erb’s palsy in babies is often caused by difficult delivery in which the nerves of the brachial plexus are damaged or torn 
• Symptoms of Erb’s palsy include numbness, paralysis, and the waiter’s tip hand position
• Risk factors for shoulder dystocia, which often causes Erb’s palsy, include high birth weight, gestational diabetes, pregnancy with multiples, and more
• Treatments for Erb’s palsy include physical therapy, splints, surgery, and more
• When Erb’s palsy is caused by doctor’s errors, it may be considered a form of medical malpractice 

What Is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy, also known as Erb-Duchenne paralysis, is a nerve condition of the shoulder and arm that results in weakness or loss of muscle function. Erb’s palsy affects the brachial plexus, a group of five nerves connecting the spine to the arm and hand that allow the shoulder, arms, and hands to feel and move. When the brachial plexus nerves don’t work properly as a result of stretching or tearing, it is called brachial plexus palsy. Erb’s palsy is the most common type of brachial plexus palsy, involving the upper nerves in the plexus. 

Causes of Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy is often developed by newborns in childbirth when the healthcare provider must move the baby’s head to one side to make room for delivery of their shoulders. This can stretch the nerve of the brachial plexus, causing damage and even tears. This occurs in 0.9 to 2.6 out of every 1,000 live births for a total of nearly 12,000 cases per year.

Adults may also develop Erb’s palsy as a result of traumatic injury. Motorcycle accidents are the most common cause of brachial plexus injuries in teenagers and adults. Other potential causes include:

• Gunshot wounds 
• Knife wounds
• Industrial accidents
• Sports accidents
• Surgical complications
• Tumors

Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy

Common signs and symptoms of Erb’s palsy include:

• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
• Paralysis or limpness of the shoulder, arm, and elbow
• The waiter’s tip position, in which the palm of the hand points toward the back, and the fingers curl.

Risk Factors of Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy is most likely to happen with shoulder dystocia, where a baby’s shoulder is stuck inside the birthing parent’s pelvis during delivery. Risk factors for shoulder dystocia include:

• Medications like oxytocin or an epidural during labor
• High infant birth weight
• Overweight or obese birthing parent 
• Breech birth position 
• A previous pregnancy involving shoulder dystocia
• Being pregnant with more than one baby
• Diabetes in the birthing parent

Treatment of Erb’s Palsy

Treatments for Erb’s palsy depend on the severity of the injury. Some cases resolve themselves within a matter of months. Otherwise, treatment options include:

• Physical therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Botox injections to paralyze working muscles such that weaker muscles must take over
• Splinting
• Nerve repair surgery
• Muscle repair surgery 

Erb’s Palsy and Birth Injury Law

Erb’s palsy is often caused by medical mistakes during delivery. If a medical professional causes a preventable birth injury by acting negligently, it is considered medical malpractice. If your baby developed Erb’s palsy because of a healthcare provider’s negligent conduct, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering. It is recommended that you speak to an experienced birth injury lawyer who will be able to help you proceed with your case.