Erb’s Palsy occurs at birth when the brachial plexus of the baby suffers an injury. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves in the shoulder and near the neck that connects the arm to the spinal cord. All movement and sensory signals that are to be transmitted to the arm pass through these nerves.
Some infants are larger than average, and their arms or neck can be stretched during the delivery. This can compress and damage the brachial plexus nerves, leading to the child developing Erb’s Palsy. A breech birth also significantly increases the risk of Erb’s Palsy in a newborn. These circumstances can be avoided if the doctor recognizes the risks beforehand and opts for a cesarean section instead of vaginal birth.
There are several treatment options for an infant with Erb’s Palsy. Since it is usually diagnosed at birth, treatment can be started as early as when the baby is three weeks old. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery. This usually entails a huge financial burden for the family of the newborn, in addition to the emotional trauma they are facing. One way to alleviate the emotional and financial hardship is to pursue a case against the medical practitioner responsible. Good Erbs Palsy lawyers can get you financial compensation by proving that your child’s birth injury was preventable. You can use the money to opt for the best treatments for your child, like the ones listed below.
Surgical intervention
In cases where non-invasive treatments like physiotherapy are declared unsuitable, the doctors may choose to intervene surgically. After a nerve transplant or tendon transfer from a different part of the body, many children recover completely from the condition, but it takes time as nerves recover very slowly. Those who unfortunately only see some improvement have to refocus their efforts on another treatment or help the child adapt so they can learn to live with their condition.
Physical Therapy
This treatment focuses on strengthening and stimulating the baby’s arm through exercise. Since the baby is unable to move their arm, parents need to play an active role in their child’s physiotherapy. The therapist will recommend that the parents do stretching and range-of-motion exercises with the baby at home. This will prevent the joint from becoming permanently stiff and may help the baby slowly recover from the condition. As the child becomes older, the therapist will guide them through age-appropriate activities like crawling.
Occupational Therapy
In cases with mild to moderate Erb’s Palsy, parents can get a referral to an occupational therapist for an assessment of the function of their arm in day-to-day activities. With the help of appropriate occupational therapy, the child can learn to engage in everyday activities and become somewhat independent with time. This can help them recognize their limitations and develop the ability to perform their daily tasks with minimal help from others.
Electrical Stimulation
In neuromuscular electrical stimulation, electrodes are used to send a small current to the baby’s affected muscles. Faradic current stimulation rehabilitates the affected nerves by transmitting impulses for muscular contractions. Galvanic current, on the other hand, improves the muscle tone and prevents the muscle from wasting away. Studies show that these electrical stimulations are most effective when combined with regular physical therapy.
Botox Therapy
Sometimes, a child’s shoulder joint is locked in an improper position, in which case botox therapy is recommended. Botox is injected into the affected muscles, which paralyzes them temporarily. This allows the doctor to position the arm correctly. The child’s discomfort will be decreased greatly without causing them any pain.
Splinting
In some cases, the joints affected by Erb’s Palsy can be difficult to stretch, so a splint is recommended. These splints are custom-made to fit the needs of every child, and wearing them can help maintain the flexibility of the muscles in the arm. Consistency is key here, and the parents need to work hard to incorporate using the splint for the recommended amount of time into their daily routine.
Massage Therapy
This can help relax the affected muscles and increase blood circulation, keeping the affected arm functional. A massage can help strengthen the nerves and prevent the joints from contracting. It can also minimize the pain resulting from neck and shoulder stiffness.
Conclusion
Erb’s Palsy is an unfortunate outcome of a difficult birth where the brachial plexus nerves suffer trauma, resulting in paralysis or limpness in the elbow, arm, and shoulder. Several treatment options are available, with varying degrees of success. Depending on the severity of the problem, doctors may opt for surgery and try to fix the problem with a nerve graft or a tendon transfer. Some cases do not indicate the need for surgical intervention.
Physical therapy is also recommended and the parents need to learn the exercises they can do with their children to help them recover the function and mobility of their arms. Electrical and botox therapy are other methods used in conjunction with physiotherapy for better results. Massaging the child can help relieve pain and discomfort while wearing a splint for some time every day can help their muscles stretch. Most importantly, occupational therapy can help the child adapt and learn how to cope with their physical limitations.
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