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 T1. These injuries arise most commonly, but not exclusively, from shoulder dystocia during a difficult birth. Depending on the nature of the damage, the paralysis can either resolve on its own over a period of months, necessitate rehabilitative therapy, or require surgery.
Facts
Classification
ICD-10 ChapterXVI: Certain Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period 2 Communicable or Non-communicable First Described Sources
1. Wikipedia: Erb's palsy
WikipediaWikipedia History section
The renowned British obstetrician William Smellie is credited with the first medical description of an obstetric brachial plexus palsy. In his 1768 treatise on midwifery, he reported a case of transient bilateral arm paralysis in a newborn after difficult labour.
Lead section, body-system statement
These form part of the brachial plexus, comprising the ventral rami of spinal nerves C5-C8 and thoracic nerve T1.
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: ICD-10
WikipediaList of chapters, Chapter XVIQuote, List of chapters, Chapter XVI
Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
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