Brachial Plexus Palsy Information from Phoenix, Arizona Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

Brachial plexus palsy is a birth injury that occurs in approximately two to five of every 1000 Phoenix, Arizona babies. Much like cerebral palsy, our lawyers estimate that many brachial plexus palsy cases occur due to medical malpractice.

The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves in the shoulder area that delivers sensation to the shoulder, arm, and hand. If this bundle is damaged, some or all nerves in any of these areas can be affected, resulting in a lack of sensation and an inability to move the hand or arm. The brachial plexus nerve bundle attaches to specific sections of the spinal cord and spinal vertebrae; the extent of paralysis depends on which vertebrae are affected. Erb's palsy, affecting the shoulder and upper arm, results from injury to the C5 and C6 vertebrae. Klumpke's palsy, affecting the forearm and hand, results from injury to the C7 and T1 vertebrae.

Shoulder dystocia, a condition in which the baby's shoulder gets caught on the mother's pelvic bone, causes most brachial plexus injuries. The nerves in the area can be stretched or even torn when shoulder dystocia is not properly treated. Our Phoenix, Arizona brachial plexus and cerebral palsy lawyers can help recover compensation for all four types of brachial plexus palsy:

• Neuropraxia - The most common type of brachial plexus injury. The nerves are stretched, but not torn.
• Rupture - The nerve is torn along its length, but is still intact at the point of attachment to the spinal cord.
• Neuroma - This type involves scar tissue development after the nerve injury, causing incomplete signals to be sent to the area.
• Avulsion - The most serious type of brachial plexus injury. The nerve is torn from the spinal cord, causing complete paralysis and loss of sensation in the arm, shoulder, and hand.

Parents in Phoenix and the rest of Arizona often have many questions when their children are affected by cerebral palsy or brachial plexus palsy. The lawyers of Phillips Law Group urge them to seek comprehensive and effective medical treatment as soon as possible to help mitigate any long-term disability.

Treatment for brachial plexus palsy generally depends on the type and extent of injury. Many children recover a great deal of feeling and range of motion in their affected arm; however, some of them are left with varying degrees of motor function, sensory impairment, and paralysis.

If your baby experienced birthing difficulties at a Phoenix, Arizona area hospital that resulted in brachial plexus palsy or cerebral palsy, contact the lawyers at the firm of Phillips Law Group today. We can help you find some of the answers you've been looking for.

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