Nerve damage in newborns can tragically result from complications during childbirth, often due to medical negligence. These injuries, such as Erb’s or Klumpke’s palsy, can affect an infant’s mobility, strength, and quality of life, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential.
If your child has suffered nerve damage during birth, understanding the types of nerve injuries, how they occur, and the available treatment options can help you make informed choices for their care and recovery.
Common Types of Nerve Damage in Newborns
Several types of nerve damage to infants can occur during delivery, often linked to a doctor’s excessive use of force, improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuums, or failure to address complications such as shoulder dystocia promptly.
| Nerve Damage | Explanations | Can Be Caused By |
| Erb’s Palsy | A type of nerve injury affecting the brachial plexus, the network of nerves that controls the arms. Can lead to weakness in the shoulder and upper arm. | ● Pulling too hard on the baby’s neck during birth ● Stuck shoulders during delivery ● Misusing delivery tools like forceps or a vacuum |
| Klumpke’s Palsy | A nerve injury involving the lower part of the brachial plexus. It affects the wrist and hand, making them weak and difficult for the baby to lift or move. | ● Stretching the baby’s arm upward during delivery ● Breech births (feet-first) ● Complications where the baby’s arm is handled forcefully |
| Facial Nerve Palsy | Damage to the nerves controlling facial muscles, making one side of the baby’s face droop or move less. | ● Pressure on the baby’s face during delivery ● A long labor ● Using forceps incorrectly |
| Phrenic Nerve Injury | A nerve injury that affects the diaphragm, paralyzing the muscle. Can cause breathing trouble and oxygen deprivation in infants. | ● Stretching the baby’s neck too much during delivery ● Birth trauma from delivery complications ● Tools pressing on the neck area |
The Importance of Early Intervention in Nerve Damage Recovery
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for nerve damage recovery. Early intervention can minimize the long-term effects of the injury and improve the likelihood of full or partial recovery. However, if the infant does not receive needed treatment, the damage may become irreversible.
How Nerve Damage Is Diagnosed
Doctors may use physical exams, imaging tests (such as ultrasounds or MRIs), and nerve conduction studies to determine the extent of the damage. Signs of nerve injury include limited movement, muscle weakness, or abnormal positioning of the affected area.
Why Timing Matters
The first few months of a baby’s life are crucial for nerve repair and regrowth. Early treatment maximizes the potential for recovery by addressing the injury before complications like muscle atrophy or joint stiffness occur.
Treatment Options for Infant Nerve Injuries
The treatment plan for nerve damage in newborns depends on the severity and type of injury. While some cases are resolved with minimal intervention, others require more advanced medical procedures to treat.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is usually the first step in treating nerve injuries. Therapists use gentle exercises and stretches to improve the infant’s muscle strength, range of motion, and coordination. Parents may be taught techniques to continue the therapy for their child at home.
- Massage and Occupational Therapy: Massage therapy can stimulate circulation and promote nerve repair, while occupational therapy helps infants develop essential motor skills, helping ensure the injury doesn’t affect developmental milestones.
- Orthopedic Devices: In cases where movement is restricted, splints or braces can support the affected area and prevent joint stiffness or deformities.
- Surgical Interventions: Surgery may be necessary when nerve damage is severe or does not respond to other less-invasive treatments. Common surgical options include:
- Nerve Grafts: Replacing damaged sections of a nerve with healthy nerves from another part of the body.
- Nerve Transfers: Redirecting nerves from an unaffected area to restore function in the injured region.
- Tendon Transfers: Reassigning tendons to compensate for lost muscle control.
- Long-Term Management: In some cases, ongoing therapy and medical care are necessary to manage the effects of nerve damage. This can include regular check-ups with pediatric specialists to monitor your child’s progress carefully and address setbacks promptly.
Seek Compensation With Help From Experienced Chicago Birth Injury Lawyers
Nerve damage in newborns can have life-altering consequences, not just for the child but for their entire family. When these injuries result from a doctor’s negligence during childbirth, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Beam Legal Team, our experienced Chicago birth injury lawyers specialize in advocating for families affected by birth-related injuries. We can investigate your case, determine if negligence played a role, and fight for the compensation your family needs for medical care, therapy, and other expenses.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you get the financial support your child deserves.
