Questions?What Is a Brachial Plexus Birth Injury?
A brachial plexus birth injury occurs when the network of nerves controlling movement and sensation in a newborn’s shoulder, arm, and hand is damaged during childbirth.
This form of nerve damage is often associated with difficult deliveries and can result in muscle weakness, numbness, or even paralysis in the affected arm.
There are different types of brachial plexus birth injuries, ranging from mild stretching of the nerves to severe cases involving torn nerves or complete detachment from the spinal cord.
In severe cases, treating a newborn brachial plexus injury can require significant time and resources, including ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, or surgery.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with top birth injury lawyers who can help families in all 50 states. Our legal partners have recovered over $1 billion for families affected by preventable harm, including brachial plexus birth injuries.
Get a free case review right now to find out if we can connect you with a skilled lawyer near you.
What Causes a Newborn Brachial Plexus Injury?
A newborn brachial plexus injury is often caused by complications during childbirth that put too much pressure on the baby’s neck, shoulder, or arm as they pass through the birth canal.
- Breech delivery: When a baby is born feet- or buttocks-first, which can put added pressure on the brachial plexus nerves
- Excessive pulling: If a doctor uses force to assist in the delivery of the baby’s head, neck, or arm, it can stretch or tear the nerves
- Prolonged labor: Long and difficult labor increases the chances of complications that can damage the brachial plexus
- Shoulder dystocia: When the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, placing strain on the neck and shoulder nerves
- Use of delivery tools: Tools like forceps or vacuum extractors can create extra pressure on the baby’s shoulder or arm during delivery
Not all brachial plexus birth injuries are caused by medical negligence. However, if your health care provider failed to provide proper care and your child was harmed, your family may have legal options.
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms
Symptoms of a brachial plexus birth injury vary based on the severity of the nerve damage. In many cases, signs may be noticeable immediately after birth or within the first few days.
Parents should be aware of changes in their newborn’s arm movement and grip, as early detection can lead to quicker intervention.
- Absent reflexes on one side: Missing reflexes like the Moro (startle) reflex on the injured side
- Decreased grip strength: Weakened grip or lack of grasp in the baby’s hand on the affected side
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder, elbow, or hand
- Position of the arm: Arm held in an abnormal position, such as extended at the elbow and rotated inward
- Weak or limp arm: Affected arm hanging by the baby’s side with little movement
If these symptoms are present, a doctor should evaluate your child promptly to determine the extent of the injury and possible treatments.
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Types of Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
There are different types of brachial plexus injuries based on how the nerves were damaged during birth. Each type can affect the range of movement and sensation in a different way.
- Avulsion: The most severe type — the nerve is completely torn away from the spinal cord
- Neuropraxia: A mild injury caused by stretching the nerves, which may heal on its own with proper treatment
- Neuroma: The nerve is partially torn, and scar tissue forms as it heals, which can put pressure on healthy nerves
- Rupture: The nerve is torn, but not at the spinal cord — may require surgical intervention
Each type requires different treatment approaches, so proper diagnosis by a medical professional is key to getting the best outcome for your child.
Learn more about conditions caused by newborn brachial plexus injury below.
Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy occurs when the upper part of the network of nerves, known as the brachial plexus, is injured.
People with Erb’s palsy experience weakness or even paralysis in the shoulder and related muscles. They may not be able to move their arm or shoulder or grip well without difficulty.
Treatment can help improve the baby’s muscle movement and prevent stiffness. Babies with Erb’s palsy can start therapy right after birth, as early as three weeks of age.
Horner’s Syndrome
Horner’s syndrome can result from an avulsion injury that tears nerve roots away from the spinal cord, affecting the sympathetic nerves.
- Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
- Inability to sweat on one side of the face (anhidrosis) due to facial nerve damage
- Small pupils (miosis)
People with Horner’s syndrome often need nerve surgery.
Klumpke’s Palsy
Most types of brachial plexus palsy birth injury affect the upper extremities. However, Klumpke’s palsy impacts the lower part of the brachial plexus.
That means that people with this rare condition usually experience weakness or paralysis of the hand. It is typically treated with physical therapy, which works to improve hand function and range of motion.
Total Plexus Involvement
This condition affects all levels of the brachial plexus nerves on one side of the body, resulting in a complete loss of sensation and movement in that arm, from the shoulder to the hand.
Treatment often includes surgery and intensive physical therapy to improve function.
Bilateral Brachial Plexus Palsy
In rare cases, both sides of the brachial plexus can be injured, resulting in weakness or paralysis in both arms.
This condition is often treated with a combination of surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Recovery can be more complex due to the involvement of both arms.
How Is a Newborn Brachial Plexus Injury Diagnosed?
Doctors use several methods to diagnose a brachial plexus birth injury. They typically start with a physical exam to identify any weakness, reduced grip strength, limited range of motion, stiffness, or paralysis in your baby’s arm.
- X-rays: Used to detect fractures in the collarbone or shoulder that may be related to the injury
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of nerves and surrounding tissues to understand the extent of the injury
- Electrodiagnostic tests (EMG/NCS): Evaluate nerve function by measuring electrical activity to pinpoint the location and severity of the injury
- Computed tomography (CT): Offers more detailed imaging if needed to evaluate nerve damage
Early diagnosis is crucial for the best outcomes. If you notice any signs of a brachial plexus birth injury in your newborn, contact your pediatrician as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment options.
If your child was diagnosed with a newborn brachial plexus injury that could have been avoided, we may be able to help.
Call the Birth Injury Justice Center at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to discuss your options.
Treatment for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Treatment for a brachial plexus birth injury depends on the location and severity of the nerve damage.
Both non-surgical and surgical options are available to improve function and strength in the affected arm.
Learn more about newborn brachial plexus injury treatment options below.
Non-Surgical Treatments
This type of treatment is typically the first approach and can benefit both minor and moderate injuries.
- Massage therapy: Helps relieve muscle soreness and stiffness in the affected area
- Physical therapy: Aims to improve the range of motion in the arm, shoulder, and hand through targeted exercises over weeks or months
- Occupational therapy: Involves techniques like exercises, splinting, and aquatic therapies to improve mobility and strength
These non-surgical options can support your child’s recovery and may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.
Surgical Options
When non-surgical treatments are not sufficient, surgery may be required to repair nerve damage, enhance muscle and tendon function, or correct bone alignment.
- Muscle and tendon transfers: Healthy muscles or tendons are relocated from other body areas to improve arm movement
- Nerve surgery: Involves nerve grafts to replace damaged nerves or nerve transfers to restore function
- Open reduction of the shoulder joint: Stabilizes the shoulder by tightening loose tissue to correct dislocations
- Osteotomy: Repositioning bones, such as the upper arm bone (humerus), to improve hand and arm alignment
Early intervention is key — surgery is often recommended between 4 and 9 months of age to maximize outcomes and support your child’s recovery.
Consulting with a specialist early can help determine the best treatment path for your child’s needs.
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Complications
Complications from a brachial plexus birth injury can vary greatly. They can range from mild to severe and depend on the extent of nerve damage.
Newborn brachial plexus injury complications can significantly impact your child’s mobility, development, and quality of life.
- Contractures: Permanent muscle tightness that restricts movement in the affected arm
- Growth and development issues: Impaired growth in the arm and shoulder, requiring ongoing medical care
- Loss of arm function: Weakness, paralysis, or partial/permanent loss of use, affecting daily activities
Treatment is essential to address these complications, but it can be time-consuming, costly, and require time away from work.
If your child’s injury could have been prevented, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a birth injury settlement.
This money can help cover medical expenses so you can provide the best possible care for your child.
Get Legal Help for a Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
If your baby suffered a brachial plexus birth injury due to medical negligence, your family may be entitled to compensation.
Severe injuries can have lifelong effects, and negligent health care providers should be held accountable.
An experienced birth injury attorney can help by reviewing your case, determining eligibility, and building a strong claim on your behalf.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with birth injury lawyers who have secured more than $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries. They may be able to help your family, too.
Contact us right now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to find out if we can help you provide a brighter future for your child.
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury FAQs
How does brachial plexus injury occur at birth?
A brachial plexus birth injury can occur when a baby’s neck, shoulder, or arm is stretched or compressed as they pass through the birth canal.
This can happen during difficult deliveries, like when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvis (shoulder dystocia), during a breech (feet-first) birth, or if excessive force is used during delivery.
Can you prevent a brachial plexus birth injury?
Yes, in many cases, brachial plexus birth injuries can be prevented by health care providers taking proper precautions during long and difficult deliveries and by knowing and addressing the risk factors.
If your child suffered a newborn brachial plexus injury that could have been avoided, we may be able to help.
Call a member of our team right now at (800) 914-1562.
Do babies recover from brachial plexus birth injuries?
Most babies do recover from brachial plexus birth injuries. The extent of their recovery may be affected by how early the injury is caught when they start treatment and the type and severity of the injury.
What are the long-term effects of the brachial plexus injury?
The long-term effects of a brachial plexus injury depend on the severity of nerve damage.
While some children recover fully, others may experience lasting complications like limited arm movement, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
Severe cases can lead to conditions like Erb’s palsy or issues with growth and development in the affected arm.
How successful is brachial plexus surgery?
The success of brachial plexus surgery varies based on the type and extent of the injury, as well as how soon the surgery is performed.
In many cases, surgery can significantly improve arm function and mobility, particularly when performed within 4 to 9 months after birth.
It can significantly improve arm function and mobility, though some children may still experience partial limitations and require additional therapy for recovery.
Can you get compensation for a brachial plexus birth injury?
Yes, if your baby’s brachial plexus birth injury was caused by medical malpractice, your family may be eligible for compensation.
These 3 factors can affect compensation amounts:
- Severity and type of the injury
- Impact on your child’s quality of life
- Strength of evidence
To pursue the compensation your child needs for medical care and support, consult with a birth injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help build a strong case.
Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top birth injury lawyer near you.
