ERBS PALSY TREATMENT
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Erbs Palsy is a type of brachial plexus injury. Affecting the nerves in the shoulder, arm, and hand, depending on the severity of the injury any one or all of the muscles can become paralyzed from Erbs Palsy. Since the injury is so individual, the Erbs Palsy treatment plan will depend on the specific patient.
There are four Erbs Palsy classifications that describe the severity of the injury, including
- Stretch
- Neuroma
- Rupture
- Avulsion (most severe type)
Stretch
For some, no Erbs Palsy treatment will be necessary as it may heal on its own. If recovery does occur it will be apparent by three to four months of age and will most likely be a stretch injury, the least severe type of Erbs Palsy. An Erbs Palsy treatment can include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or surgery.
Neuroma
A neuroma Erbs Palsy treatment might require surgery to restore function because the scar tissue that compresses the nerves is affecting the patient. Surgical Erbs Palsy treatment may also be necessary because the nerve has been torn at several locations. A surgical procedure, combined with therapy, can sometimes restore the rupture injuries so that closer to normal functioning can exist.
Rupture and Avulsion
Surgical Erbs Palsy treatment for avulsion injuries will probably require the most extensive process to restore function. The most severe type of Erbs Palsy, avulsion injuries mean that the nerves are pulled from the spinal cord. Multiple surgeries, including a muscle transfer might be necessary to reach the highest functioning point of the patient's ability. Since diagnosing the Erbs Palsy is not as easy as simply classifying the injuries into one of the four categories, developing an Erbs Palsy treatment plan can be difficult.
Prognosis
Based on the site of the Erbs Palsy injury and the type of injury will affect the prognosis given. In the most serious injuries (rupture and avulsion injuries) the ability for recovery is less likely, especially if surgical Erbs Palsy treatment for reconnection does not occur immediately. All children will be affected in different ways and the Erbs Palsy treatment must consider the individual to best determine a more specific prognosis.
The majority of Erbs Palsy injuries occur during birth because of the strain of the childbirth process. About one or two babies in 1,000 will suffer Erbs Palsy injuries at birth, most easily identified by a limp or paralyzed arm and lack of muscle control in the arm or hand. Even with continual Erbs Palsy treatment some patients will never completely recover, though functioning can be greatly increased.
By the time the child reaches two years of age the majority of recovery will have already occurred. Any more recovery cannot be expected beyond two years, though Erbs Palsy therapy may continue to keep the muscles and joints moving normally. In instances when the Erbs Palsy may have been caused in part because of medical malpractice, it is imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Even if a strong case does not exist it is better to make sure your legal rights and options are known. Waiting to seek legal representation can lessen or eliminate a family's ability to recover otherwise rightful damages because statute of limitations that vary from state to state.
Erbs Palsy treatment can be financially draining and require a large amount of time to visit specialists, doctors, and to undergo the treatment. Many families may be unable to afford all the Erbs Palsy treatments necessary to achieve the child's best functioning potential. If medical malpractice has contributed to the Erbs Palsy injuries, reputable and experienced attorneys can help recover damages.
For more information about erbs palsy treatment, contact us to confer with a cerebral palsy lawyer.
