KLUMPKES PALSY BRACHIAL PLEXUS PALSY ERBS PALSY

Brachial plexus palsy is caused by damage to the network of nerves that run from the spinal cord across the shoulder and down the arms to the tips of the fingers. Injury to the nerves of the brachial plexus which control the muscles of the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand and fingers can result in full to partial paralysis of one or both arms. Possible symptoms of a brachial plexus injury include a limp or paralyzed arm, and lack of muscle control in the arm or hand. The three most common brachial plexus injuries are:

• Klumpke's Palsy
  which is a paralysis of the seventh and eighth cervical and first thoracic nerves. Characteristic signs are that the hand is limp and the fingers do not move. There is often an associated Horners syndrome which is when the eyelid droops, the cheek does not sweat and the pupil is smaller than the unaffected eye.
• Complete Brachial Plexus Palsy
  occurs when all five nerves of the brachial plexus are affected. The entire arm is paralysed and there is often an associated Horner's Syndrome. Sensory loss in the arm is present and there may also be present Torticollis which is when the baby faces toward his good side and is unable to face forward for any length of time.
• Erbs palsy
  which is a paralysis of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves. Characteristic signs are that the arm is turned towards the body, the elbow does not bend and the hand is turned backwards in a 'waiters tip' position.

Brachial plexus injuries mainly occur during birth as a result of excessive traction or force being applied to the infant's head during delivery. This causes tension on the brachial plexus which may stretch or rupture the nerves. Approximately 2-3 of every 1000 newborn babies are affected by brachial plexus injuries and although many babies with brachial plexus palsy are larger than average at birth, a newborn baby of any size can be affected. Over 90% of these injuries are caused as a result of medical negligence and substantial compensation can be claimed from the healthcare provider.

Most children will qualify for legal aid as only the childs income if any is taken into account. Claims for birth injury are usually fully funded by the Legal Aid Board with no financial contribution being necessary from the parents. Our solicitors are all members of The Law Society panel of medical negligence experts and are entitled to make an immediate application for legal aid. Our service is completely free and neither us nor your solicitor will make any charge to you. Compensation for your child is paid in full with no deductions. For free advice on Legal Aid compensation claims from a specialist birth injury solicitor then just complete the contact form and a member of The Law Society panel of medical negligence experts will telephone you to discuss your claim.