What is the brachial plexus? It refers to a network of nerves that originate from the neck area and branch out to control the sensation and movement in the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.

Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is an umbrella term that refers to an array of conditions that impair the function of the brachial plexus network of nerves. Most brachial plexus injuries in infants, children and adults are caused by one thing: trauma.

Complicated Deliveries and Birth Trauma

Obstetric brachial plexus palsy occurs in a very small percentage of live births. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it only occurs in 1% of live births. This occurs most commonly when there is difficulty delivering a baby's shoulder.

During delivery, the baby's shoulder can get trapped. If the baby is tugged or pulled on during delivery, it can cause the brachial plexus nerve to stretch or tear – this is known as shoulder dystocia.

The infant's prognosis for recovering depends on the severity of the injury. With Erb's Palsy, the injury causes a loss of motion around the shoulder and elbow. With Klumpke's palsy, the patient experiences a loss of motion in the wrist and hand.

Brachial plexus injuries, include but are not limited to:

• Avulsion – the nerve is pulled from the spinal cord with no hope of recovery.
• Rupture – the nerve is stretched and partially torn.
• Neurotemsis – the entire nerve is divided and the prognosis is very poor.

Brachial plexus injuries may result in pain, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and in the worst cases, paralysis in some or all of the muscles of the affected areas. Some patients suffer a burning or crushing type pain in the injured nerves.

In severe cases, the infant may have to endure multiple corrective surgeries throughout their childhood.

Brachial plexus injuries are often a result of medical negligence. If your child sustained a BPI and you suspect that it was due to a doctor's error, we urge you to contact a medical malpractice lawyer from our directory.