Questions?What Are Common Brachial Plexus Injury Symptoms in Babies?
Common newborn brachial plexus birth injury symptoms include limited arm movement, weak grip, or a floppy arm.
A brachial plexus injury happens when the bundle of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the baby’s shoulder, arm, and hand is damaged during delivery.
The most common brachial plexus birth injury symptoms include:
- Arm bent at the elbow (a potential sign of nerve damage)
- Limited movement or range of motion in the affected arm
- Muscle weakness or decreased muscle tone causing a limp or floppy arm
- Numbness (loss of sensation) in the affected arm or hand
- Tingling (decreased sensation) in the affected arm or hand
- Weak or absent gripping ability in the injured hand
If left untreated, a brachial plexus nerve injury can cause long-term issues with movement, sensation, or paralysis in the affected arm.
Brachial plexus palsy can happen if a baby’s neck is stretched or pulled too much during childbirth. When brachial plexus birth injury symptoms could have been avoided, it may mean something went wrong during childbirth.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with skilled brachial plexus injury attorneys who can help families in all 50 states seek compensation for care.
The lawyers in our network have recovered over $962 million in birth injury compensation for families across the country, including brachial plexus lawsuits.
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When Do Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms Appear?
Symptoms of a brachial plexus birth injury are usually noticeable right after a baby is born. Parents or health care providers may observe that the baby has a hard time moving their arm, hand, or shoulder. Normal newborn reflexes and tone may be absent or diminished on the affected side.
Signs and symptoms of brachial plexus birth injury can be seen right away or soon after a baby is born, according to Mount Sinai.
Minor brachial plexus injuries, like nerve stretching, may show improvement within the first few weeks or months. In these cases, early interventions like physical therapy can help your baby move and strengthen their affected arm.
Traumatic brachial plexus injuries, like nerve avulsions, tear the nerve root from the spinal cord. These injuries often require longer recovery periods and may need advanced treatments, including brachial plexus surgery, to restore function and prevent long-term complications.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving outcomes and minimizing the long-term effects of a brachial plexus injury.
Getting immediate medical care offers the best chance for your baby to recover. If you notice symptoms of a brachial plexus injury, don’t wait to take action.
Do I Need Help for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms?
If your baby shows signs of chronic pain, weakness, limited movement, or has a limp arm after birth, seek medical help as soon as possible.
“There could be a lack of movement in one of the arms for a brachial plexus injury. If you’re noticing that one arm isn’t moving or they’re keeping one arm sort of tucked in, that might be a sign that something happened.”
— Beth Carter, On-Staff Registered Nurse
Mild brachial plexus injuries like neuropraxia (temporary nerve injury from a stretched nerve) can heal within a few weeks. Yet, if your baby continues to have difficulty moving their arm, has a weak grip, or the arm remains bent or limp, they may have a more severe injury, needing additional medical care.
If your child is showing signs and symptoms of brachial plexus birth injury, our team of labor and delivery nurses is here to help.
Our nurses have decades of experience and can answer your questions. They can talk with you about what may have gone wrong.
Connect with one of our registered nurses right now — for free.
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
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Causes of Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms
Brachial plexus birth injuries occur when this network of nerves is stretched, compressed, or torn during delivery. Several causes and risk factors can increase the chance of these injuries happening.
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Causes
The causes of brachial plexus birth injuries are usually related to some form of birth trauma.
- Abnormal positioning: Breech births, where the baby is positioned feet- or buttocks-first, put additional stress on the nerves during delivery.
- Excessive force during delivery: Pulling or applying too much pressure on the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders during birth can stretch or damage the brachial plexus nerves.
- Improper use of delivery tools: Forceps or vacuum extractors can cause nerve damage if used incorrectly or with excessive force.
- Shoulder dystocia: When a baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, the nerves can be overstretched as doctors work to deliver the baby.
Sometimes, the causes of brachial plexus injury could have been prevented with better medical care. In these cases, the condition may be considered birth injury medical malpractice.
Risk Factors of Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms
If your doctor did not properly manage the risk factors for brachial plexus palsy, you may be able to file a brachial plexus injury lawsuit.
- Gestational diabetes: This condition causing high blood sugar can result in larger-than-average babies, increasing the risk of nerve injuries during birth.
- Large baby (macrosomia): Babies weighing over 8 pounds 13 ounces are more likely to experience delivery complications that damage the brachial plexus.
- Multiple births: Delivering twins, triplets, or more increases the likelihood of complicated or forceful deliveries.
- Pelvic shape or size: A narrow or irregularly shaped pelvis can make delivery more challenging, leading to potential nerve damage.
- Previous birth injuries: A history of brachial plexus injuries in prior deliveries can increase the risk for subsequent pregnancies.
- Prolonged or difficult labor: Extended labor can result in stress on the baby’s nerves, especially during the delivery stage.
If your child is showing signs and symptoms of brachial plexus birth injury, you may be able to take legal action. We may be able to help you get started.
Get a free case review right now to see if you may be eligible.
Diagnosing Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms
If your child’s doctor suspects signs and symptoms of brachial plexus birth injury, they will perform a physical exam.
They’ll look at how your baby moves their arms and their grip strength. They’ll also check for any signs of weakness, loss of feeling, or limited movement in your baby’s shoulder, arm, and hands.
In some cases, the injury may involve the upper arm, known as Erb’s palsy.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs provide detailed views of the injured nerves, detect scar tissue, and assess the extent of the injury.
- Nerve tests: Nerve conduction tests, electromyography (EMG), or electromyogram check how well nerves of the brachial plexus send signals to muscles.
- Ongoing monitoring: Regular evaluations track recovery progress and determine whether further treatments, like surgery, may be necessary.
This thorough evaluation helps create an effective treatment plan tailored to your baby’s needs.
Treatment for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms
Treating brachial plexus birth injury symptoms depends on the severity and type of the injury.
- Physical therapy: Gentle exercises improve range of motion and arm strength.
- Occupational therapy: This helps your child practice skills like grasping and reaching.
- Medications: They can manage any pain or discomfort your child is experiencing.
- Braces or splints: These hold the baby’s arm in the correct position for healing.
Physical therapists and pediatric specialists can help with most types of brachial plexus injuries when your baby is just a few months of age.
Surgery for Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries
Surgical treatments for brachial plexus birth injury symptoms include several advanced procedures to restore function and help with nerve repair.
Nerve grafting involves replacing damaged nerves with healthy ones taken from another part of the body. Nerve transfer redirects a close-by healthy nerve to the injured area to restore movement and sensation.
Tendon or muscle transfer moves a functioning tendon or muscle to support and improve movement in weakened areas.
Get Legal Help for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms
The Birth Injury Justice Center can connect families with top birth injury attorneys with the skills and experience to pursue maximum compensation.
We may be able to help you seek a brachial plexus birth injury settlement. Compensation from a birth injury lawsuit can help cover the critical care your child needs for their brachial plexus birth injury symptoms.
Birth injury lawsuits are complex. Finding a skilled brachial plexus palsy lawyer ensures your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation your family deserves.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 right now or get a free case review to find out how we can help you provide a better future for your child.
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Symptoms FAQs
What are the red flags for a brachial plexus injury?
Some red flags to watch for include limited movement in your baby’s arm, a weak or absent hand grip, or an arm that appears limp or bent at the elbow.
If your baby doesn’t react to touch or shows signs of weakness, these may also be signs and symptoms of brachial plexus birth injury.
The Birth Injury Justice Center has a team of registered nurses on staff. If you’re concerned that your child is showing brachial plexus birth injury symptoms, they’re here to help.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 to connect with a member of our team right now — for free.
How do I know if my baby has a brachial plexus injury?
There are a few signs and symptoms of brachial plexus birth injury that could be cause for concern.
Here are 3 common brachial plexus birth injury symptoms to watch for:
- Your baby isn’t moving one arm as much as the other.
- They have better grip strength in one hand over the other.
- The child holds one arm close to their body and avoids using it.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving your baby’s chances of recovery.
What does brachial plexus injury feel like?
For babies, it may cause weakness, loss of sensation in that arm or hand, or even pain. Older children and adults with this injury may feel numbness, tingling, or a sensation of “pins and needles” along with weakness in the affected arm.
What are the long-term effects of brachial plexus injury at birth?
Long-term effects can include permanent weakness, limited movement, or paralysis in the affected arm. Some may also experience muscle atrophy (shrinking or weakening of muscles) or reduced growth in the injured arm without regular use or physical therapy.
Can I sue for a brachial plexus birth injury?
Yes, if the injury was caused by medical malpractice, like improper handling during delivery or failure to identify risk factors, you may be able to file a brachial plexus palsy lawsuit.
Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your legal options and find out if you have a case for medical negligence.
Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a skilled birth injury lawyer near you.
