Questions?How to Diagnose Erb’s Palsy
Diagnosing Erb’s palsy, or Erb-Duchenne paralysis, involves examining symptoms and using imaging to check for damage to the brachial plexus.
This bundle of nerves is responsible for movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
If a baby shows signs of brachial plexus nerve damage, further testing is usually needed.
These symptoms may point to a medical diagnosis of Erb’s palsy:
- Arm hanging limply with elbow extended, known as “waiter’s tip”
- Lack of reflexes on one side, like the Moro (startle) reflex
- Limited or no movement in the shoulder, arm, or wrist
- Limp or immobile arm on one side of the body
- Weak grip on the affected hand or decreased grasp reflex
If your child shows any of these signs of Erb’s palsy, it’s important to see a medical professional right away. Diagnosing Erb’s palsy early allows treatment to start quickly, which improves the chances of a full recovery.
Unfortunately, treatment for Erb’s palsy can be time-consuming and expensive, often requiring physical therapy, surgery, and ongoing care. This can place emotional and financial burdens on families, including missed work and high medical bills.
In many cases, Erb’s palsy is preventable with proper medical care during childbirth. An Erb’s palsy lawsuit allows families to seek compensation to cover these costs and support their child’s path to recovery.
We’ve helped families nationwide secure over $962 million from birth injury lawsuits, including those involving Erb’s palsy.
Find out if we can help your family, too. Get a free case review right now.
Why an Early Diagnosis of Erb’s Palsy Is Important
Diagnosing Erb’s palsy early is essential for giving a child the best chance at recovery. When identified shortly after birth, Erb’s palsy treatment can begin immediately, helping to prevent long-term complications.
“Erb palsy requires early diagnosis and management for the best outcomes.”
— National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Untreated Erb’s palsy can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness with permanent tightening and shortening of the muscle (contractures), or permanent nerve damage.
Promptly diagnosing Erb’s palsy symptoms in babies allows doctors to determine the severity of the brachial plexus injury and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
For mild cases, physical therapy started early can lead to full recovery within the first year of life. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, and diagnosing Erb’s palsy early improves the likelihood of success.
An early medical diagnosis of Erb’s palsy also helps families figure out if preventable medical errors during childbirth caused the injury.
Diagnosing Erb’s Palsy and Medical Malpractice
Many cases of Erb’s palsy could be avoided with proper care during delivery. Diagnosing Erb’s palsy is essential to identify the cause of the injury and determine if medical malpractice during childbirth played a role.
- Delaying a necessary cesarean section (C-section) for high-risk pregnancies
- Failing to properly manage a breech delivery (feet- or buttocks-first)
- Mismanaging shoulder dystocia (head delivers, but baby is stuck in birth canal)
- Misusing delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
- Neglecting to manage risk factors like high birth weight (macrosomia)
- Using excessive traction or force during a difficult delivery
Getting an accurate medical diagnosis of Erb’s palsy can help pinpoint what may have gone wrong during childbirth.
If negligence is suspected, many families pursue Erb’s palsy settlements to ensure the best possible chance of recovery for their child.
Erb’s palsy lawsuit settlements can help families afford the necessary treatment and provide financial relief during this challenging time.
Get a free case review right now to see if you could be eligible.
Testing for a Medical Diagnosis of Erb’s Palsy
Diagnosing Erb’s palsy requires a thorough evaluation by a medical professional. Early testing can confirm the condition, assess the severity of nerve damage, and guide treatment options to improve outcomes.
Learn more about what tests help in diagnosing Erb’s palsy below.
Physical Examination for Erb’s Palsy
Diagnosing Erb’s palsy often begins with a detailed physical examination by a health care provider. This hands-on assessment helps identify telltale symptoms of Erb’s palsy, ensuring that appropriate treatment can begin promptly.
- Moro Reflex assessment: This reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is tested by gently lowering the baby to observe their arm movements. A lack of symmetry (one arm does not move or extends differently) could be a sign of Erb’s palsy.
- Muscle tone evaluation: The doctor examines the baby’s shoulder and upper arm for signs of weakness or floppiness. Reduced strength or restricted movement in these areas is a strong indicator of nerve injury.
Early detection through an Erb’s palsy examination can improve recovery outcomes. If you suspect your child has nerve damage, diagnosing Erb’s palsy promptly is essential.
Active Movement Scale (AMS)
The Active Movement Scale for Erb’s palsy is a specialized diagnostic tool designed to check motor function in infants and young children with brachial plexus injuries, including Erb’s palsy.
AMS evaluates a child’s ability to move specific muscle groups both with and without the assistance of gravity. By assigning a score to each movement, health care providers can determine the severity of the nerve injury and track progress over time.
Early AMS scores can predict the need for Erb’s palsy surgery, like a tendon transfer, nerve transfer, or nerve graft. Infants with lower scores are significantly more likely to require surgical intervention.
This non-invasive testing method provides valuable insight into motor function, helping guide treatment plans to optimize recovery.
Electrodiagnostic Studies
These tests help in diagnosing Erb’s palsy by checking how nerves and muscles work, showing damage severity, and guiding treatment.
- Electromyography (EMG): Measures the electrical activity in muscles to detect nerve damage and how well the affected nerves signal muscles
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS): Evaluates the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through nerves, identifying the location and severity of the injury
- Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs): Monitors pathways by measuring electrical responses from stimulated nerves, offering insights into nerve function
- Quantitative muscle testing (QMT): Provides precise measurements of muscle strength and tracks recovery progress over time
- Ultrasound-guided electrodiagnosis: Combines imaging and electrodiagnostic techniques for pinpoint accuracy in detecting nerve damage
These studies offer critical data to help determine whether surgery or non-surgical treatments are needed to maximize the odds of recovery.
Imaging Tests for Diagnosing Erb’s Palsy
Imaging tests provide detailed visuals of the brachial plexus, muscles, and surrounding structures, aiding in a comprehensive evaluation of Erb’s palsy. These tests are essential for confirming diagnoses and identifying the extent of nerve or structural damage.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Produces detailed images of soft tissues, such as nerves and muscles, helping identify brachial plexus injuries
- Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN): A specialized MRI technique that focuses on damaged nerve pathways, offering high-resolution images
- Ultrasound: A non-invasive method to evaluate shoulder joints and surrounding structures, especially helpful in newborns to detect fractures or soft tissue injuries
- X-rays: Useful for identifying bone fractures or abnormalities in the shoulder, collarbone, or spine that may contribute to limited arm movement
- CT myelography: Combines CT imaging with contrast dye to visualize the spinal cord and nerves, often used in complex cases to assess nerve root involvement
Together, these Erb’s palsy tests provide a clear understanding of a baby’s nerve injury, helping medical professionals develop targeted treatment plans.
Steps to Take After an Erb’s Palsy Diagnosis
Diagnosing Erb’s palsy early gives your child the best chance for recovery. If your baby has Erb’s palsy, don’t delay in taking action.
- Consult a specialist: A pediatric neurologist or orthopedic expert can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment. Your pediatrician can refer you.
- Start treatment immediately: Early physical therapy or occupational therapy is crucial for improving movement and preventing long-term complications.
- Monitor progress: Regular check-ups are essential to track improvements and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
- Consider additional testing: If progress is slow, tests like an EMG or imaging studies can provide more details about the severity of nerve damage.
- Address financial concerns: Treatments and therapy can be costly. You may be able to sue for Erb’s palsy to seek the money you need for your child’s care.
By taking these steps, you can help your child achieve the best possible outcome.
We have experienced registered nurses on staff who can help you figure out what to do if your baby receives a medical diagnosis of Erb’s palsy.
There is no cost to speak with us and no obligation to move forward with an Erb’s palsy lawsuit. Connect with a nurse now.
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Diagnostic Tests to Rule Out Other Conditions
Diagnosing Erb’s palsy requires ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. Specialized tests help pinpoint the source of the injury and ensure an accurate diagnosis.
- Distinguishing from Klumpke’s palsy: Tests focusing on the lower brachial plexus distinguish it from Erb’s palsy, which impacts the upper plexus.
- Excluding fractures: X-rays detect fractures in the clavicle or humerus to rule out bone injuries that may mimic nerve damage.
- Ruling out cerebral palsy: Neuroimaging determines whether motor impairments are due to brain damage or brachial plexus injury.
These diagnostic tests ensure a clear understanding of your child’s condition, guiding the best course of treatment.
Get Legal Help for Your Child’s Erb’s Palsy Diagnosis
The Birth Injury Justice Center understands that your child’s well-being is the top priority.
Filing an Erb’s palsy lawsuit can provide much-needed funds to help cover your child’s medical expenses and treatment.
We’ve partnered with leading birth injury law firms that can help families in all 50 states.
If you qualify, our legal partners will:
- Evaluate your case to confirm your eligibility
- Fight to secure the compensation your family needs
- Handle all legal work and gather the necessary evidence
Our legal partners have secured more than $962 million for families affected by preventable birth injuries, and they may be able to help yours, too.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to see if we can help you provide a brighter future for your child.
Diagnosing Erb’s Palsy FAQs
How is Erb's palsy diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose Erb’s palsy by performing a physical examination and checking for weakness or limited movement in the shoulder and upper arm.
Diagnostic tests like electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and MRIs can confirm the extent of the nerve damage.
If your child was diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, you may have legal options. We may be able to connect you with an experienced lawyer.
Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top attorney near you.
How do you diagnose brachial palsy damage?
Brachial palsy injuries are diagnosed by assessing the affected arm for weakness, paralysis, or reduced muscle tone. Tests such as EMG and nerve conduction studies evaluate nerve function, while imaging scans like ultrasounds or MRIs help identify any associated injuries.
If you suspect your baby could have brachial plexus nerve damage, we may be able to help you access financial compensation.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to find out if we can connect you with a leading attorney near you.
What is the examination for Erb's palsy?
Doctors use physical exams to assess symptoms such as shoulder weakness, abnormal arm posture, and limited arm movement. They may also perform reflex tests, including the Moro reflex, which is often absent in babies with Erb’s palsy.
Can you have mild Erbs palsy?
Yes, Erbs palsy can range from mild to severe. Mild cases typically involve nerve stretching, allowing full recovery within months with proper treatment. Severe cases may require surgery and ongoing therapy.
How can you tell the difference between Erb's palsy and Klumpke's palsy?
The difference between Erb’s palsy versus Klumpke’s palsy lies in the affected nerves. Erb’s palsy impacts the upper brachial plexus (C5-C6), leading to shoulder and upper arm weakness.
Klumpke’s palsy affects the lower brachial plexus (C8-T1), causing issues in the forearm, hand, and fingers.
Tests like EMG or imaging can pinpoint the specific nerve injury.
