Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention
Definition
Erb palsy weakness or paralysis in the arm that is usually noticed after birth.
Vaginal Birth
Causes
Erb palsy is caused by stretching of the baby’s neck during labor and delivery. This can result in damage to the upper nerves of the neck and shoulder. The nerve damage can then cause certain muscles in the baby’s arm to be weak.
Stretching may be caused by:
- Long, difficult delivery
- Delivery of a large baby
- Shoulder dystocia
- Breech delivery
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of delivering a baby with Erb palsy include:
- History of delivering larger babies
- History of prolonged labor
- Gestational diabetes
- Inability of your baby to move an arm or shoulder
- Arm is bent inward toward the body
- Weak or absent reflexes in the arm
- Loss of feeling in the arm
Diagnosis
You may be asked about your baby's symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may include:
Your baby may need imaging tests. This can be done with:
Your baby may need to have muscle and nerve activity recorded. This can be done with:
Treatment
Over time, the baby can recover movement. Feeling in the arm can also be recovered. In some cases, long-lasting damage can occur.
Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan, which may include:
- Physical therapy—This can help keep your baby’s joints and muscles flexible and strong. You will take an active role in moving your baby’s shoulder, arm, and hand. Massage may also be an option.
- Surgery—This may be recommended in cases where there is no improvement.
When your child is older, other treatments may be recommended, such as:
- Muscle and tendon transfer surgery to improve function
- Joint fusion surgery
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Brachial plexopathy. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T900412/Brachial-plexopathy. Updated June 12, 2015. Accessed September 29, 2016.
Erb’s palsy. Patient UK website. Available at: http://patient.info/doctor/erbs-palsy-pro. Accessed June 13, 2017. Updated November 9, 2017.
Erb's palsy (brachial plexus birth injury). Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00077. Updated October 2014. Accessed November 9, 2017.
Last reviewed November 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.