A brachial plexus injury is a severe and often preventable birth injury that can result in long-term or permanent damage to a newborn's shoulder, arm, or hand. These injuries occur when the nerves in the brachial plexus, the network of nerves controlling movement and sensation in the arm, are stretched, compressed, or torn during delivery.
The Basics of Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves located between the neck and shoulders that control movement and sensation in the arms, hands, and fingers. During childbirth, if excessive force is used to pull the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders, these delicate nerves can be damaged.
Brachial plexus injuries are particularly common in cases of shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery, requiring quick but careful maneuvering to free the baby.
The severity of brachial plexus injuries can vary depending on the degree of nerve damage. For example:
- In some cases, the nerves may be mildly stretched, leading to temporary weakness or limited mobility that improves with therapy
- However, more severe injuries can involve nerve tears or ruptures, resulting in permanent paralysis or loss of function in the affected arm
- The most serious form of brachial plexus injury is Erb’s palsy, where the upper nerves of the brachial plexus are damaged, leading to partial or complete paralysis of the shoulder and upper arm
