Erb's Palsy Treatment Guidelines Handout

Erb's palsy, a type of brachial plexus birth palsy, specifically affects the upper brachial plexus nerves, resulting in weakness or paralysis in the upper part of the affected arm. Other brachial plexus injuries can impact different parts of the nerve network, potentially affecting a broader range of motion and sensation.

Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby's shoulders become lodged in the birth canal during delivery, putting excessive pressure on the brachial plexus nerves. This pressure can cause obstetric brachial plexus lesions, leading to neonatal brachial plexus palsy and resulting in weakness or paralysis of the affected arm.

While obstetric brachial plexus palsy primarily involves damage to the brachial plexus nerves, it does not directly affect the spinal cord. However, the injury occurs close to where these nerves exit the spinal cord, which can complicate the injury and affect the arm's movement and sensation.