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Brachial plexus preventionFrom: Brenda Copeland-Moore (nationalbpi@powernetonline.com)Wed Oct 20 18:34:07 1999
Risk Factors and Prevention: A Brachial Plexus Injury usually occurs in children at birth, however can occur during accidents and during other conditions. When it happens at birth it is usually due to the baby's shoulders becoming impacted/stuck during the birthing process. (Shoulder Dystocia-As Illustrated to Right.) This impaction may cause stretching or tearing of the nerves to the brachial plexus. It is estimated between 2-3 out of 1000 babies will be born with a brachial plexus injury. This occurs more frequently than children born with Down's Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy. Children with this type of palsy may be affected in different ways, depending on which nerves are damaged and the severity of the damage. Risk Factors These factors together or alone can cause increased risk of shoulder dystocia. *Large Baby *Gestational Diabetes *Advanced Maternal Age *Excessive Maternal Weight Gain *Previous Infants with Shoulder Dystocia *Babies Post Term (Past 40 weeks) Warning Signs During Delivery *Failure of Labor to Progress *Prolonged Second Stage of Labor *Need for Forceps or Vacuum Extractor There are several maneuvers that can be tried when a baby is presenting with shoulder dystocia. If these fail a cesarean section may be attempted. Example the all four position. Brachial Plexus Injuries Brachial Plexus Palsy, also referred to as Erb's Palsy, is a condition that affects the nerves that control the muscles in the arm and hand. Possible Symptoms: -a limp or paralyzed arm -lack of muscle control in the arm -a decrease of sensation in the arm or hand Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries The injury may involve one or more nerves of the brachial plexus. The Brachial Plexus is located on the right and left side of your neck, between the neck and shoulder area. It is a group of nerves that run from the spinal cord through the arm to the wrist and hand. The nerves of the brachial plexus can be injured in four different ways. These four different injuries are: 1. Avulsion: the nerve is completely torn away from the spine. 2. Rupture: the nerve is completely torn, but not where it attaches to the spine. 3. Praxis/Stretch: the nerve is injured/damaged, but is not torn. This type of injury may heal on its own. 4. Neuroma: scar tissue has developed around the nerve as it heals. The nerve cannot conduct signals from the spine to the arm/hand, because of the pressure put on the nerve by the scar. Injuries can limit one's ability to perform various movements, such as but not limited to reaching over the head, straightening the arm, grasping objects, etc. A severe injury can cause paralysis and disfigurment-especially if left untreated. It is our Associations belief that a child affected with this condition should be evaluated by a specialist regarless of function at the time of injury. The National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc. (abbr.. BPI ) Has produced this web page in efforts to help aid those seeking information about Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy. Our organization is not authorized to refer patients to any specialists or facility. B.P.I. is not affiliated or connected with other brachial plexus organizations and is not responsible for their actions. The National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc does not advocate compensation for loss, nor does it give legal advice. To the best of out knowledge the information presented by The National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc is gathered from reliable sources. However, we cannot accept responsibility or liability for information included herein or presented. The Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Care and Prevention Page is an effort by B.P.I. to assist families and care givers regarding care and prevention of brachial plexus palsy, however we cannot accept responsibility or liability for the information given. If you have any comments or concerns regarding this webpage,please contact the National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc. National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc. P.O. Box 23 Larsen, WI 54947 920-836-9955 nationalbpi@powernetonline.com http://www0.delphi.com/nationalbpi The National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc., is an association for families, caregivers, and those affected with brachial plexus/erb's palsy. Our organization strives to educate, inform, and assist those affected by this condition, by offering information, contacts, and resources.
-- Brenda Copeland-Moore National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc. P.O. Box 23 Larsen, WI 54947 920-836-9955 nationalbpi@powernetonline.com http://www0.delphi.com/nationalbpi Check out our Store Front at: http://shop.affinia.com/nationalbpi/Store/
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