Brachial Plexus Injuries
During a normal, vaginal delivery, there are several things that happen so that a baby can pass through the birth canal. First, a mother’s pubic symphysis widens and the sacroiliac joints increase in diameter to help fit the baby through. Also, the baby’s unfused skull bones can squeeze together and even overlap to help the child progress through the birth canal. However, sometimes these aren’t enough-which can led to brachial plexus injuries.
The brachial plexus is the group of nerves that runs from your spine to the shoulder and down to the arm and hand. When these nerves are stretched or torn, it can result in temporary or permanent damage to the arm. While adults can suffer brachial plexus injuries in everything from contact sport accidents to car wrecks, babies can injure the nerve group during birth.
When a birth does not go as it is planned, it can result in birth injuries to a child. Brachial plexus injuries typically happen when an overly large infant gets lodged in the birth canal. Also, a breech presentation, prolonged labor, and shoulder dystocia can contribute to this form of injury. When a baby becomes stuck due to this, physicians or other birth leaders often pull on a baby’s head or neck to free the child. This can pinch, stretch, and tear the brachial plexus nerves.
Sadly, this injury can result in lifelong disabilities, including:
- Erb’s palsy
- Klumpke’s palsy
- Neuroma
- Avulsion
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When a baby is stuck in the birth canal, physicians and midwives can often use different positioning or manipulation to remove the child, rather than force. However, an overly forceful medical practitioner can cause a brachial plexus injury to your child.
If your baby has suffered a brachial plexus injury, you should consult a lawyer about your rights. To talk to a birth injury attorney, contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.