What Are Brachial Plexus Injuries?

Nerve injuries can sometimes happen in car accidents and sports injuries. They can occur during childbirth as well.

Labor and delivery can often lead to brachial plexus injuries. The nerves of the brachial plexus may be stretched, compressed, or torn during a difficult delivery.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the neck and extends into the shoulder, arm, and hand. The brachial plexus essentially runs from the lower cervical spine, through the side of the neck, across the shoulder, and into the armpit, giving rise to the nerves that control movement and sensation in the upper limb.

Brachial plexus injuries often happen during childbirth when medical providers use excessive force to get the baby out. The result might be a loss of muscle function, or even paralysis of the upper arm. These injuries are often preventable when doctors take appropriate steps to identify and manage known risk factors. These injuries are more likely to occur when certain conditions are present.

Types of Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries

Brachial plexus injuries in newborns are typically classified based on the nature of the nerve damage and the specific nerves affected. The main categories include:

• Stretch: This is the most common type of injury. Damage occurs outside the spinal cord. The nerve is stretched but not torn.
• Rupture: This is another common injury. The injury occurs outside the spinal cord. The nerve is torn, but not at its attachment point to the spinal cord. Surgical intervention is often required.
• Avulsion: The injury occurs at the level of the spinal cord itself. The nerve root is torn directly from the spinal cord. In some cases, the phrenic nerve may be affected, leading to breathing difficulties. Surgeons may have to use nerve transfers to replace the damaged tissue.

Is it Medical Malpractice?

A brachial plexus injury can be considered medical malpractice if it results from a healthcare provider’s negligence during childbirth. This typically involves failing to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to injury to the baby’s brachial plexus. Examples include:

• Failure to monitor. This means not adequately monitoring the baby’s size or position, or failing to recognize potential complications like shoulder dystocia.
• Delayed or improper response. This could mean a delayed or inadequate response to shoulder dystocia, or incorrect use of tools like vacuum extractors or forceps.
• Failure to perform a timely cesarean section. Not proceeding with a C-section when it’s indicated, especially in cases of a large baby or breech presentation, can lead to brachial plexus injuries.

Contact Us Today

The birth of a baby is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but negligence and incompetence can lead to brachial plexus injuries and other avoidable birth injuries.

After a birth injury, you deserve answers and justice. A Mt. Juliet birth injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can help you obtain financial compensation to help ease the burden of ongoing medical care and related expenses. Schedule a consultation by calling (615) 622-6060 or filling out the online form.

Source:

childrenshospital.org/conditions/brachial-plexus-birth-injury#:~:text=Brachial%20plexus%20birth%20injury%20can,orthopedist%20or%20brachial%20plexus%20specialist.