What is Erb’s Palsy and Brachial Plexus Palsy?
Excess stress to the newborn’s neck during delivery may injure the nerves causing paralysis of the arm. An “avulsion rupture” means the nerves are torn away at the area of the spine. “Neuroma” means the nerves are torn, but during the healing process, scar tissue forms. This can disable the arm. All these are usually initially caused by a shoulder dystocia (shoulder of infant gets stuck in the birthing process). This in turn can cause “brachial plexus” injury as well as “Erb’s palsy” and even death. Shoulder Dystocia is also dangerous for the mother; it can cause excessive bleeding, vaginal or cervical lacerations, or rupture of the uterine. There are safe techniques for dislodging the infant’s shoulder, including Woods-screw, Rubin, Gaskin (“all-fours”), and McRoberts maneuvers.
