What is Klumpke's Palsy?

Today we thought we'd talk about another form of birth injury, besides cerebral palsy: Klumpke's Palsy

Klumke's Palsy is a form of brachial plexus injury where there is paralysis in the forearm and hand as the result of injury at birth. The damage is done to the roots of the cervical C7 vertebra and the first thoracic T1 nerves. This damage is of greater risk when the mother of the child is smaller framed or when the infant is larger.

There isn't a specific treatment for Klumpke's Palsy, however, physical/occupational therapy might help. Surgery is also an option for those who have severed nerves due to this condition.

Klumpke's Palsy often happens when a physician, nurse or midwife uses too much force on the baby's head or neck during birth. This torsion on the baby's neck and head will tear nerves in the brachial plexus which is what causes Klumpke's Palsy.

An unsafe medical professional typically pulls on the head and neck if the shoulder becomes stuck behind a mother's pubic bone. This is called "shoulder dystocia".

Despite the fact that the medical community has come up with ways for the baby to be safely delivered even if shoulder dystocia occurs, many of these professionals do not follow the procedures, which in turn results in Klumpke's Palsy injuries.

Klumpke's Palsy can leave a child with a deformed and render their arm immobile. Children with Klumpke's Palsy are typically unable to manipulate the fingers of their hand. Permanent Klumpke's Palsy injuries will affect a child's self esteem and hinder their ability to perform even the most rudimentary daily tasks. Employment opportunities may also be hindered as a result.

For more information on Klumpke's palsy visit:

http://pediatricneuro.com/alfonso/pg220.htm

http://home.comcast.net/~wnor/clinicalconsiderations.htm