Birth injuries range from severe to mild and more challenging to diagnose. There are a variety of different ways in which a child is injured during the birthing process, where the causes can lead to a number of different symptoms. Some symptoms are evident at the time of birth while others show up in the […]
Newborn nerve damage
Birth injuries range from severe to mild and more challenging to diagnose. There are a variety of different ways in which a child is injured during the birthing process, where the causes can lead to a number of different symptoms. Some symptoms are evident at the time of birth while others show up in the future as the child grows and develops.
A birth injury may be caused by undiagnosed illness, brain damage, physical injuries, trauma to the neck and spine, and other accidents that can happen during the birthing process. Treatments may be effective if implemented immediately after birth, however, even with some treatment, children who are injured during birth will live with symptoms for the remainder of their lives.
One of the most common types of birth injuries is damage inflicted to the brachial plexus nerves which control the sensation and movement of the arms. These nerves are highly sensitive to damage, and are most common in children that are born with a high birth weight or due to presenting in a breech position at birth.
The primary signs of an injury to the brachial plexus are the inability for the baby to move his or her arm or the child moves one arm better than the other. When this occurs, a child will likely be diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy.
Other symptoms of Erb’s Palsy include the absence of a Moro reflex, which is a reflex seen in infants this is an involuntary response to stimulation and a weakened grip. A child with Erb’s Palsy may also have an award placing of their arm against the side of his or her body. Erb’s palsy may also cause a child to experience movements in the face that are asymmetrical, and partial or complete paralysis of the face.
Parker Waichman LLP advocates on behalf of injured newborns and their families to secure the compensation they deserve for birth injuries caused by medical negligence. Trust your legal claim to our experienced birth injury attorneys. If you have, or your baby has suffered harm because of medical malpractice, contact our law firm today for a free consultation by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
