Brachial palsy in newborns

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Klumpke paralysis; Erb-Duchenne paralysis; Erb's palsy

Symptoms can be seen immediately or soon after birth, and may include:

• Newborn is not moving the upper or lower arm or hand
• Absent Moro reflex on the affected side
• Arm flexed (bent) at elbow and held against body
• Decreased grip on the affected side

A physical exam usually shows that the infant is not moving the upper or lower arm or hand. The affected arm may flop when the infant is rolled from side to side.

The Moro reflex is absent on the side with the brachial plexus or nerve injury.

A careful examination of the clavicle or collarbone will be done to look for a fracture. Sometimes, the infant will need to have an x-ray of this bone.

Review Date: 12/11/2009
Reviewed By: Kimberly G. Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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