ERB'S PALSY

ERB'S PALSY - Erb's palsy is a paralysis of the arm caused by injury to the upper group of the arm's main nerves, specifically the severing of the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves. These form part of the brachial plexus, comprising the ventral rami of spinal nerves C5–C8 and thoracic nerve. The paralysis can be partial or complete; the damage to each nerve can range from bruising to tearing. The most commonly involved root is C5 as this is mechanically the furthest point from the force of traction, therefore, the first/most affected. Erb–Duchenne palsy presents as a lower motor neuron syndrome associated with sensibility disturbance and vegetative phenomena.

The signs of Erb's Palsy include loss of sensation in the arm and paralysis and atrophy of the deltoid, biceps, and brachialis muscles. "The position of the limb, under such conditions, is characteristic: the arm hangs by the side and is rotated medially; the forearm is extended and pronated. The arm cannot be raised from the side; all power of flexion of the elbow is lost, as is also supination of the forearm". The resulting biceps damage is the main cause of this classic physical position commonly called "waiter's tip."

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves near the neck that give rise to all the nerves of the arm. These nerves provide movement and feeling to the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. Palsy means weakness, and brachial plexus birth palsy causes arm weakness and loss of motion.

 Symptoms

• Weakness in one arm
• Loss of feeling in the arm
• Partial or total paralysis of the arm