Understanding the condition
A brachial plexus birth injury affects the nerves supplying the shoulder, arm or hand around the time of birth. The extent of the injury varies. Erb’s palsy is a term commonly used for injuries predominantly affecting the upper part of the plexus.
What might you notice?
- Reduced or unequal movement of the arm from birth.
- Difficulty lifting or rotating the shoulder or bending the elbow.
- Later stiffness or movement patterns that affect everyday activities.
These symptoms can have more than one cause. A clinical assessment is needed to establish the diagnosis.
Specialist assessment
Assessment looks at spontaneous movement, strength, joint mobility and the development of function. Serial examinations help establish whether recovery is progressing. Investigations are selected for the individual child.
Your treatment options
Care may include therapy, monitoring and, in selected cases, nerve reconstruction. Later procedures may address muscle imbalance or joint stiffness. Planning considers both the immediate problem and the child’s longer-term development.
Common questions
Will my child need surgery?
Not every child needs surgery. Decisions depend on the pattern and extent of recovery and the findings at specialist assessment.
Can older children or adults with a birth injury be reviewed?
Yes. Assessment can explore the effects of an established injury and whether rehabilitation or reconstructive treatment may help.
General patient information from London Nerve Injury. Decisions about investigations and treatment require an individual clinical assessment.