The birth of a child is a joyous occasion, but it can quickly take a turn for the worse if medical negligence is involved. While most people are familiar with the more common birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy, others are not as well-known. One such injury is Klumpke's Palsy. It is a paralysis that affects the forearm, hand, and fingers and is caused by damage to the brachial plexus nerves. This injury can have lasting effects on a child's life, and parents need to be informed about Klumpke's Palsy and ways to prevent it.
What is Klumpke's Palsy?
Klumpke's Palsy is a birth injury that damages the brachial plexus nerves in a newborn's shoulder. These nerves control movement and feeling in the hand, forearm, and fingers. When the nerves are damaged, it can cause paralysis in those areas. The condition is also known as Dejerine-Klumpke palsy and is more familiar with a difficult delivery, such as a breech birth or shoulder dystocia.
Causes of Klumpke's Palsy
Klumpke's Palsy has several causes, but the most common is medical negligence during delivery. This can occur when a healthcare provider is too forceful with the baby's head or shoulders during delivery, resulting in excessive pulling or twisting of the arm. Additionally, if the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during delivery, it can pressure the brachial plexus nerves and cause injury. Other risk factors for Klumpke's Palsy include a larger baby size, maternal obesity, or gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of Klumpke's Palsy
The symptoms of Klumpke's Palsy can vary from mild to severe and may include weakness or paralysis in the arm, forearm, hand, or fingers. Sometimes, the affected arm may also be twisted or held awkwardly. Other possible symptoms may include numbness, pain, or tingling in the affected areas. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, immediately talk to your healthcare provider or medical professional.
Treatment Options
Treatment for Klumpke's Palsy will depend on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, physical therapy may be enough to help the baby regain movement in their arm. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged nerves. Additionally, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments, such as occupational therapy or massage, to help your child regain normal function in their affected limbs.
Prevention of Klumpke's Palsy
There are several steps parents can take to help prevent Klumpke's Palsy. Prenatal care is critical, and parents should attend all scheduled appointments with their healthcare provider. Additionally, parents should inform their healthcare provider of any risk factors for birth injuries, such as gestational diabetes or a larger baby size. Lastly, healthcare providers need to monitor the progress of delivery closely. If they notice that the baby is not moving down the birth canal properly, they may need to take action to prevent injury.
Pursuing Justice for Birth Injury Victims in Atlanta, GA
If your child has been diagnosed with Klumpke's Palsy, seeking legal representation from a birth injury attorney who can help you receive the compensation you deserve is crucial. Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC has extensive experience handling birth injury cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Contact us today at (888) 425-6070 for a free consultation.