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Synonym(s): Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries,
Dejerine-Klumpke Palsy
What are Erb-Duchenne and Dejerine-Klumpke Palsies?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine
to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Brachial plexus injuries are caused by damage to
those nerves. Erb-Duchenne (Erb’s) palsy refers to paralysis of the
upper brachial plexus. Dejerine-Klumpke (Klumpke’s) palsy refers to
paralysis of the lower brachial plexus. Although injuries can occur at any time,
many brachial plexus injuries happen when a baby’s shoulders become impacted
during delivery and the brachial plexus nerves stretch or tear. There are four
types of brachial plexus injuries: avulsion, the most severe type, in
which the nerve is torn from the spine; rupture, in which the nerve is
torn but not at the spinal attachment; neuroma, in which the nerve has
torn and healed but scar tissue puts pressure on the injured nerve and prevents
it from conducting signals to the muscles; and neuropraxia or stretch,
in which the nerve has been damaged but not torn. Neuropraxia is the most common
type of brachial plexus injury. Symptoms of brachial plexus injury may include a
limp or paralyzed arm; lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist, and
lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand.
Is there any treatment?
Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. Many children who are
injured during birth improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age. Treatment for
brachial plexus injuries includes physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
What is the prognosis?
The site and type of brachial plexus injury determines the prognosis. For
avulsion and rupture injuries, there is no potential for recovery unless
surgical reconnection is made in a timely manner. The potential for recovery
varies for neuroma and neuropraxia injuries. Most individuals with neuropraxia
injuries recover spontaneously with a 90-100% return of function.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on injuries to the nervous system such
as brachial plexus injuries. Much of this research is aimed at finding ways to
prevent and treat these disorders.
Organizations
Brachial Plexus Palsy Foundation
c/o 210 Springhaven Circle
Royersford, PA 19468
Brachial@comcast.net
http://membrane.com/bpp
Tel: 610-792-4234
Fax: brachial@aol.com
United Brachial Plexus Network
1610 Kent Street
Kent, OH 44240
info@ubpn.org
http://www.ubpn.org
Tel: 866-877-7004
Fax: 866-877-7004
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
4200 Forbes Boulevard Suite 202
Lanham, MD 20706-4829
naricinfo@heitechservices.com
http://www.naric.com
Tel: 301-459-5900/301-459-5984 (TTY) 800-346-2742
Fax: 301-562-2401
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
askus@marchofdimes.com
http://www.marchofdimes.com
Tel: 914-428-7100 888-MODIMES (663-4637)
Fax: 914-428-8203
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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