What is Erb's Palsy?

What is Erb's Palsy?

Erb's Palsy is a type of Brachial Plexus injury. The Brachial Plexus is a network of nerves that run from the spine through the shoulder and to the tips of the fingers (shown in the right figure, the labeled nerves are part of the system). Brachial means arm, and Plexus refers to a network of nerves. The Brachial Plexus conducts signals from the spine to the arm and hand. These signals cause the arm and hand muscles to move. In the picture on the right, the Brachial plexus nerves are shown.

Understanding Brachial Plexus Injuries

A Brachial Plexus injury (Erb's Palsy) is a nerve injury. The nerves that are damaged control muscles in the shoulder, arm, or hand. Any or all of these muscles may be paralyzed. Your child's disability depends on which nerves are injured and how severely they have been damaged.

Children with Brachial Plexus injuries are affected in different ways. Here are some examples:

1.Some children have no muscle control and no feeling in the arm or hand.

2.Some children can move their arms, but have little control over the wrist and hand

3.Other children can use their hands well but cannot use the shoulder or elbow muscles.