Erb's Palsy

Erb's Palsy is paralysis of the arm caused by injury to the upper group of the nerves of the arm, the spinal roots at c5-c7. Children with Erb’s Palsy are affected in different ways depending on the type of nerve damage. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. There are four different types of nerve injuries:

• Avulsion: The nerve is torn from the spine.
• Rupture: The nerve is torn but not where it attaches to the spine.
• Neuroma: The nerve has tried to heal but scar tissue has grown around the injury placing pressure on the injured nerve preventing signals from the nerve to the muscle.
• Neuropraxia: Nerve conducting is blocked at the location of the injury.

Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy are usually very obvious. A baby suffering from Erb's Palsy may have the affected arm laying by his side and an extended elbow without movement.

Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy may include:

• • Lack of muscle control and no feeling in the arm or hand
  • Minimal control of arm movements
  • Use of hands but not of the shoulder or elbow
  • Paralysis of the arm with the hand and fingers hanging limp
  • Facial paralysis on the affected side
  • Inability to site without assistance
  • Inability to crawl

Treatment for Erb’s Palsy includes exercise and physical therapy to improve function. Some who have suffered brachial plexus injuries resulting in Erb's palsy require surgery.