Childbirth should be a joyous time in life. Often, however, childbirth is marred by an injury to your child. Brachial plexus injuries occurring during childbirth may require extensive treatment and cause great pain. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that starts around the neck area and extends through the body. This network’s nerves generate upper limb sensations and control movement. Unfortunately, this nerve network can be severely impaired as a result of trauma. During childbirth, this trauma is referred to as brachial plexus palsy.
Treatment Options for Brachial Plexus Injuries
Treatment of brachial plexus injuries varies based on the severity of the injury and the child. Other factors impacting treatment include how long it has been since the child was hurt and other medical conditions that the child may have. If the nerves are stretched, recovery can occur over time without much intervention. The child may need physical therapy to aid in the recovery process. Regardless of the severity of the injury, brachial plexus injuries are extremely painful and must be treated with the best interest of the child in mind.
Surgery may be Necessary to Help Nerve Function
Nerves that are torn or cut may need surgical repair. Additionally, scar tissue that forms around torn or cut nerves may need to be surgically removed for the nerves to function properly. Scar tissue might form during the child’s healing process. The operation to repair the brachial plexus nerves must take place no longer than six months beyond the injury for the best recovery.
Nerve grafts may be performed on children who suffer from a brachial plexus injury. The injured section of the brachial plexus is taken out and nerves harvested from other body sites are used in replacement. Successful nerve graft procedures can help the child’s impaired arm perform better. In instances where a nerve root is torn away from the infant’s spinal cord, a nerve transfer is necessary.
Muscle transfers can also be used to treat brachial plexus injuries. During a muscle transfer surgery, tendon or muscle is removed from another area of the body, for example, the thigh, and transferred to the arm.
Contact a Houston Birth Injury Lawyer
Brachial plexus injuries during childbirth are not part of the normal process. If you child has suffered a brachial plexus injury during childbirth, first and foremost is getting the proper treatment. If your child’s brachial plexus injury was caused by the neglect of the doctor or medical professionals, contact a Houston birth injury lawyer. You should not have to pay for your child’s future treatment and care or your child’s pain and suffering. Contact Chelsie King Garza for a free consultation today.
