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Erb's Palsy

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Erb’s Palsy

(Erb-Duchenne Paralysis; Brachial Plexus Palsy)

Definition

Erb’s palsy happens when a baby’s neck is stretched during labor and delivery. This can cause damage to the upper nerves of the neck and shoulder. The nerve damage can then cause certain muscles in the baby’s arm to be weak. Over time, the baby can recover movement. Feeling in the arm can also be recovered. In some cases, long-lasting damage can occur.
Vaginal Birth
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Causes

Erb’s palsy is usually caused by:
  • Long, difficult delivery
  • Delivery of a large baby
  • Shoulder dystocia
  • Breech delivery

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of delivering a baby with Erb’s palsy include:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.

Symptoms

Often, Erb’s palsy is discovered after birth due to the typical signs and symptoms, such as:
  • Inability of your baby to move an arm or shoulder
  • Arm is bent inward toward the body
  • Weak or absent reflexes in the arm
  • Loss of feeling in the arm

Diagnosis

The doctor may ask about your baby's symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may include:
  • Your baby may need images taken of bodily structures. This can be done with:

Treatment

Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan, which may include:
  • Physical therapy—This can help keep your baby’s joints and muscles flexible and strong. You will take an active role in moving your baby’s shoulder, arm, and hand. Massage may also be an option.
  • Surgery—This may be recommended in cases where there is no improvement.
When your child is older, other treatments may be recommended, such as:
  • Muscle and tendon transfer surgery to improve function
  • Joint fusion surgery

Prevention

To help reduce your baby’s chance of Erb’s Palsy, take the following steps:
  • Have regular prenatal care visits.
  • Tell your doctor if you have had previous difficult deliveries.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

RESOURCES

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sogc.org

References

Brachial plexopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated December 19, 2012. Accessed March 13, 2013.

Erb’s palsy. Patient UK website. Available at: http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40001379 . Updated January 22, 2010. Accessed March 13, 2013.

Erb's palsy (brachial plexus birth injury). American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00077 . Updated December 2010. Accessed March 13, 2013.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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