What is brachial plexus birth palsy?

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is defined as an injury to any nerve root of the brachial plexus during difficult delivery. BPBP is relatively rare; its incidence has remained constant over the last few decades, mostly due to unpredictable risk factors, such as shoulder dystocia.

What is the most common type of neonatal brachial plexus palsy?

Brachial plexus palsy most often affects only the upper arm. It is also called Duchenne-Erb or Erb-Duchenne paralysis. Klumpke paralysis affects the lower arm and hand. This is less common.

What nerves are classified under the brachial plexus?

The brachial plexus is a network (plexus) of nerves (formed by the anterior rami of the lower four cervical nerves and first thoracic nerve (C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1). This plexus extends from the spinal cord, through the cervicoaxillary canal in the neck, over the first rib, and into the armpit.

What is obstetric brachial plexus?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates at the spinal cord near the neck and passes down your upper arm from under your collar bone. This network can be injured during the birthing process and is referred to as Obstetrical brachial plexus injury.

Is there such a thing as brachial plexus birth palsy?

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is a neuromotor flaccid paralysis secondary to injury to one or several brachial plexus (BP) roots occurring during delivery. It is relatively rare, with an incidence between 0.04 and 0.4% live births [1], [2], [3]. It was first reported in 1764 by William Smellie [4].

Which is more severe, Erb’s palsy or brachial plexus?

If both the upper and lower nerves are stretched, the condition is usually more severe than just Erb’s palsy. This is called a “global,” or total, brachial plexus birth palsy. This toddler has brachial plexus birth palsy. It has caused a weakness of the right arm. The child is unable to raise the right arm overhead when reaching for an object.

What causes an upper brachial plexus injury during birth?

Obstetric injuries may occur from a mechanical injury involving shoulder dystocia during a difficult childbirth. During birth, excessive stretching of the neck or pulling the upper extremity can result in an upper brachial plexus injury or inferior trunk, respectively.

What kind of injury can cause paralysis during childbirth?

Brachial plexus injuries during childbirth include: This is also less commonly known as obstetric brachial plexus palsy. It involves injury to the 5th, 6th and sometimes the 7th cervical nerve roots. It results in paralysis of the deltoid and infraspinatus muscles as well as the flexor muscles of the forearm.