Erb-Duchenne palsy
Erb-Duchenne palsy Causes
Erb's palsy is commonly caused by dystocia or an abnormal or difficulty during childbirth or during labour where the baby's head and neck are forcebly pulled toward the side simultaneous with the shoulders while passing through the vagina or the birth canal. Erb's palsy can also be caused by the excessive forceful pulling of the infant's shoulders especially during a vertex delivery where the head is first to come out or by great pressure applied on the raised arms of the baby while on a breech or feet first delivery.
Erb-Duchenne palsy Definition
Erb-Duchenne Palsy is also referred to as Brachial plexus paralysis or simply Erb's Palsy. This is a condition which is mainly caused by birth trauma. It can affect one or can be all of the primary nerves supplying the feeling and movement of the arm. The Erb's palsy can be cured even without intervention or it may sometimes require correction by a surgical intervention.
Erb-Duchenne palsy Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be done even on early childhood years. It is often done with tests which will require the child to move his arms to check if it is fucntioning properly.
Erb-Duchenne palsy Symptoms and Signs
The Erb's paralysis may be partial or even complete for some patients. The damage of the nerve can range from either just bruising or in severe cases, tearing. Most commonly the root that is involved is the Erb's point or the union of the roots C5 and C6. This roots is most common because this is the farthest point, mechanically, from the force of traction. The nerves, which are most commonly involved are the axillary nerve, the suprascapular nerve, musculocutaneous nerve.
Erb-Duchenne palsy Treatment
In some rare cases, babies will recover on their own while some may really require an intevention of a specialist. A pediatric neurosurgery is commonly required in repairing an avulsion fracture. Lesions brought about by the fracture will just heal over time. The proper function of the affected part then return. Physiotherapeutic care is also often applied to patients for muscle usage regaining.