Erb’s Palsy is a type of brachial plexus. It was named after a doctor Wilhelm Erb, who first mentioned the condition initially. It is caused by an injury to the nerves surrounding the shoulder. It is not a cerebral palsy as it does not happen due to brain injury or any abnormalities in the brain. Mainly, Erb’s Palsy is dissimilar when compared to further types of palsy and are characterized by the weakness or paralysis of the shoulder or arm. Besides this, the disorder in the arm is caused due to various amounts of impairment and the levels are known with particular names as per the condition.
What are the causes of Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy causes due to an injury on the nerve as the arms nerves are linked to a set of nerves close to the neck known as brachial plexus, which are responsible for feeling the movement in the fingers, hands, and shoulder. Even, it can happen due to several things that causes during a hard delivery. It is mentioned that nearly one or more than baby in thousands of birth holds the chance to have a brachial nerve injury which happens in the baby’s head or neck and are drawn to the side. Besides this, pulling the baby with force near the shoulders when coming out through the head can also lead to the nerve injury.
Treatment for Erb’s Palsy
If there is a simple injury or a mild tear, then the Erb’s palsy will get healed on its own. In case of babies, there is need of physical therapy so that the shoulder may not stiffen. There is need of a range of motion therapies and gentle massage to keep the muscles strong and prevent the joints from being contracted. If delayed, then it may cause to excessive damage in nerve may lead to surgery. Such options are preferred when the child is one year old for the surgery to take place.
