Erb paralysis, also known as Erb's palsy, is a condition that affects the arm and shoulder movement of a newborn. The word "Erb" is pronounced as /ɛrb/ with the emphasis on the first syllable. The spelling of this word follows the English pronunciation rules where the letter "e" sounds like "eh" and "r" is pronounced as a tapped "r". The spelling of the word "paralysis" is simpler, with its pronunciation defined as /pəˈrælɪsɪs/ , where the emphasis is on the second syllable.
Erb paralysis, also known as Erb's palsy or Erb-Duchenne palsy, is a condition characterized by weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the arm due to an injury to the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the neck and supplies movement and sensation to the shoulder, arm, and hand.
Erb paralysis typically occurs at birth or during delivery, often as a result of excessive stretching or trauma to the brachial plexus. This can happen when there is difficulty in delivering the baby's shoulder, leading to compression or traction on the nerves. As a consequence, the affected individual experiences difficulties in moving the affected arm, along with weakness and loss of feeling in the affected area.
Symptoms of Erb paralysis can vary in severity and may include a limp or paralyzed arm, decreased muscle control, and reduced sensation in the upper limb. In more severe cases, there may be a complete loss of movement and feeling in the affected arm.
Treatment for Erb paralysis is dependent on the severity of the condition. In milder cases, physical therapy and exercises may be recommended to strengthen the muscles and improve functional movement. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged nerves and restore functionality to the affected arm.
Early intervention is important in the management of Erb paralysis to prevent long-term disability and maximize the individual's potential for recovery and independence. With appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with Erb paralysis can regain significant function in their affected arm.
The term "Erb Paralysis" is named after Wilhelm Erb, a German neurologist who first described the condition. Erb was born in 1840 in Mannheim, Germany, and he made significant contributions to the field of neurology. He is particularly known for his work on peripheral nerve lesions and his detailed description of a specific type of brachial plexus injury found in newborns, which became known as "Erb Paralysis" or "Erb-Duchenne Palsy". The term "paralysis" refers to the loss of voluntary muscle control, while "Erb" acknowledges the physician who identified and defined this particular form of nerve injury.