Erb’s Palsy is one of several nerve injuries relevant to pregnant women and newborns. Bell’s Palsy and Horner’s Syndrome are caused by damaged facial nerves. Klumpke’s Palsy, like Erb’s Palsy, has to do with damage to the brachial plexus nerve. Read more detailed information about each of these injuries by following the links below.
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of Bell’s Palsy. With this condition, half of the face appears to droop due to the weakness or paralysis of a facial nerve. The nerve usually becomes swollen due to viral or autoimmune infections. Some people have a genetic predisposition to Bell’s Palsy. Most patients recover without the need for treatment.
Horner’s Syndrome also involves damage to a facial nerve, but it exclusively effects one of the eyes. Physical trauma during birth is the leading cause of this kind of nerve damage. Prolonged labor or birth and a high birth weight increase the chances a baby will suffer facial nerve damage.
Like Erb’s Palsy, Klumpke’s Palsy happens when trauma during birth damages the brachial plexus nerve. This nerve runs through the neck, shoulder, and upper arm, and injuries to it can result in paralysis throughout the arm. In victims of Erb’s Palsy, a lesion occurred on the upper part of the nerve. In those with Klumpke’s Palsy, a lesion occurred on the lower part of the nerve. Typically, Klumpke’s palsy affects the forearm and hand, unlike Erb’s Palsy, which affects the entire arm.