What Florida Parents Should Know About Erb's Palsy

What Florida Parents Should Know About Erb's Palsy

Erb's palsy, a type of Florida birth injury, can strike any expecting family without notice. Erb's palsy, which can result in long-term or permanent disability, can instantly turn the joyous occasion of the birth of a newborn into a scary medical emergency.

Many Florida parents know the basics about Erb's palsy: it is caused when a newborn's shoulder gets stuck on the mother's pelvic bone, which causes nerve damage in the child's back or neck, and can result in paralysis of the child’s arm for the rest of their life.

However, many parents do not know more than that. These parents are at a disadvantage in recognizing or treating Erb's palsy, and seeking to find a legal solution to the problems presented to them. Here are some more interesting facts about Erb's palsy:

• Erb's palsy affects the child's C5 and C6 vertebrae. These nerves extend from the spinal cord down the arm and affect the movement of the shoulder, arm and hand.

• Erb's palsy can occur as a result of a large baby, or the wrong positioning of a child during delivery. If a previous child has been affected by Erb's palsy, all following children are at a greater risk.

• Erb's palsy can also happen as the result of improper use of force, delivery drugs, and delivery tools (such as vacuum extraction). These are errors on the part of the medical professionals present.

• The common symptoms of Erb's palsy include numbness in the child's arms or fingers, arm paralysis, and arm limpness.

• The most common treatment for Erb's palsy is physical therapy. Even with quick diagnosis and rigorous therapy, however, the child may never regain full use of their arm.