A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or torn, disrupting the communication between the spinal cord and the arm or hand. Such injuries can result from trauma, such as medical negligence. It may cause symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness, or even paralysis in the affected limb. Many brachial plexus injuries occur during childbirth as a result of neonatal medical malpractice. 

The severity of a brachial plexus injury can range from mild, where nerves are only stretched and may recover on their own, to severe, where nerves are completely torn or avulsed from the spinal cord, potentially leading to permanent loss of function if not treated promptly.

Brachial plexus injuries in newborns can pose several risks, from mild weakness to significant, long-term disability. When the brachial plexus nerves are stretched, compressed, or torn during a difficult delivery, the infant may be injured. This can result in a loss of movement, weakness, or even paralysis in the affected arm, wrist, or hand. The injury may affect the upper arm (known as Erb’s palsy) or both the lower arm and hand (Klumpke palsy). 

Severe brachial plexus injuries can lead to lifelong complications. These may include permanent weakness, loss of sensation, or total paralysis of the arm. Some babies may develop contractures, where the muscles tighten permanently, further restricting movement. In the most serious cases, if the nerves are completely torn from the spinal cord, the child may face chronic pain, limited use of the limb, and an increased risk for secondary injuries such as burns or cuts due to lack of sensation. 

Additionally, long-term effects can affect the development of the shoulder joint and overall arm growth, sometimes requiring ongoing medical intervention, therapy, or surgery to maximize function and quality of life. This can lead to physical deformity, lower earning potential, and difficulty performing daily activities.

Speak to a Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, MN

Managing the risk of brachial plexus injury centers on careful handling and the use of specific maneuvers. The primary goal is to avoid excessive force or aggressive traction on the baby’s head and neck; this can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves. Excessive force can result in shoulder dystocia as well as brachial plexus injury in infants.

Responsible medical professionals will follow obstetric guidelines to prevent birth injury. One such guideline is the McRoberts maneuver, which involves flexing the mother’s hips and bringing her knees toward her chest to widen the pelvic outlet and help free the baby’s shoulder. Delivery of the posterior arm is another recommended maneuver; this has been shown to result in the least amount of brachial plexus stretch and can often resolve the situation within minutes.

Your healthcare provider should institute proper training and simulation practice to improve their clinicians’ confidence during high-pressure situations. Your medical staff should be on alert for high-risk factors, including large infant size, maternal diabetes, or a history of difficult deliveries. Using evidence-based techniques and responding promptly to fetal distress can minimize the likelihood of nerve injury at childbirth.

Yes, brachial plexus injuries can often be prevented. Through careful management during labor and delivery, especially in situations where risk factors are present, obstetricians can recognize circumstances that increase the likelihood of injury and take care not to injure the child during their journey down the birth canal. Large baby size (macrosomia), maternal diabetes, and/or a history of difficult births are all warning signs that medical staff should heed when attending to a labor and delivery.

Healthcare providers can take several proactive measures to prevent brachial plexus injuries, including planning a cesarean section to avoid complications altogether. (During vaginal deliveries, the McRoberts maneuver and delivery of the posterior arm are just two of the ways to minimize risk.

The use of forceps or vacuum extractors increases the risk of brachial plexus injury, so their use is best left as a last resort. Excessive force during delivery can directly cause brachial plexus injuries. By anticipating and managing risk factors, medical professionals can significantly reduce the chances of brachial plexus injury in newborns.