Erb's Palsy

Erb's palsy is a type of brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is the network of nerves running from the spinal cord in the neck to the shoulder, arm, and hand. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that Erb's palsy refers to numbness and paralysis of the upper brachial plexus, and that some brachial plexus injuries happen to babies during birth. A baby with Erb's palsy may hold the affected arm limp at the side, turned inward, with a bent wrist.

The most common cause at birth is shoulder dystocia, when the baby's shoulder gets caught behind the mother's pelvic bone and the neck is stretched during delivery. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says about 1 in 10 babies who have shoulder dystocia will have a brachial plexus injury, and that Erb's palsy is the most common type.

Outlook depends on how badly the nerves were damaged. According to NINDS, some children injured during birth improve or recover on their own by 3 to 4 months of age, most recover some function through physical and occupational therapy, and severe injuries such as nerve tears or avulsions may need surgery.

Erb's palsy is among the most common birth injury malpractice claims. These lawsuits usually allege that the delivery team failed to prepare for known risk factors, did not offer a cesarean section when appropriate, or pulled too hard on the baby's head instead of using accepted maneuvers. A brachial plexus injury does not by itself prove anyone did something wrong, and each case turns on medical records and expert review. Many states give extra time to file claims for injured children. See class action vs. individual lawsuit and how to sue a company. This page is general information, not medical advice.