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A brachial plexus injury, also known as BPI, is a type of birth injury that affects the nerves in the neck and shoulder.
It can occur when a baby’s head, neck, or shoulder area is stretched too far during delivery, causing damage to the brachial plexus nerves.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand.
There are several factors that may increase the risk of a brachial plexus injury.
These may include a difficult delivery, a large baby, breech delivery, shoulder dystocia, and prolonged labor.
A difficult delivery may involve a prolonged second stage of labor, a large fetal head circumference, or shoulder dystocia.
Shoulder dystocia happens when the baby’s head is delivered, but the shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone.
This can lead to stretching of the brachial plexus nerves.
A large baby, also called macrosomia, may also increase the risk of BPI because the baby’s shoulders may become caught during delivery.
Breech deliveries may also increase the risk because the baby is not in the optimal position to pass through the birth canal.
Prolonged labor may also increase the risk, especially when prolonged pushing places additional stress on the baby.
Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury may include weakness or paralysis in the arm or hand.
The baby may also have reduced muscle control in the affected arm.
Some babies may have a lack of feeling or sensation in the affected arm or hand.
The severity of the injury can range from mild to severe, and symptoms may be temporary or permanent.
In mild cases, the baby may have weakness or decreased movement in the affected arm, but may recover with physical therapy.
In more severe cases, the baby may have significant weakness or paralysis, including conditions such as Erb’s palsy.
The baby’s arm may appear limp and may have reduced muscle tone.
In some cases, Klumpke’s palsy may occur, affecting the hand and forearm, sometimes along with weakness in the shoulder or arm.
Diagnosis of a brachial plexus injury is usually made through a physical examination by a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist.
The doctor may also order a nerve conduction study to measure the electrical activity of the nerves.
An MRI scan may also be used to help confirm the diagnosis or evaluate the injury.
Treatment for a brachial plexus injury may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
In mild cases, physical therapy and occupational therapy may help the baby regain muscle strength and movement in the affected arm.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct damaged nerves.
Surgery may be considered when recovery does not happen as expected, often after doctors allow time to see whether the nerves heal naturally.
Recovery from a brachial plexus injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the age of the baby at the time of injury.
In some cases, the injury may resolve on its own over time, especially in mild cases.
However, if the injury is severe, it may result in permanent weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy are important parts of the recovery process.
These therapies can help improve strength, movement, flexibility, coordination, and daily function.
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This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
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