What Is the Difference Between Erb’s Palsy & Cerebral Palsy?

Published on September 20, 2022

The difference between Erb’s palsy and cerebral palsy (CP) is that a birth injury causes Erb’s palsy. Abnormal brain development can result in CP. Erb’s palsy is also a nerve condition, and CP is a cerebral motor cortex issue; however, both conditions affect muscle function.

In this article, a Phoenix birth injury lawyer describes each condition and how they affect the body. We also discuss what you can do if you think medical malpractice caused your child’s condition.

Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy is a brachial plexus condition named after Wilhelm Erb, the physician who initially identified the illness. Physicians will diagnose a child with Erb’s palsy In situations where brachial plexus palsy affects the top nerves of the arm. While some cases resolve independently, a physician may recommend shoulder exercises to prevent stiffness or other forms of treatment for permanent symptoms.

According to the Cleveland Clinic website, Erb’s palsy consists of four primary nerve injuries:

• Neurapraxia: This is a stretch injury that often heals within three months.
• Neuroma: This injury affects some nerve fibers and may create scar tissue with no possibility of full recovery.
• Avulsion: This condition occurs when a nerve is torn from the spinal cord, making it the most severe form of nerve injury.
• Neuritis: Brachial neuritis causes severe shoulder and arm pain with an unknown cause but may be related to an autoimmune disorder.

Physical therapy (PT), nerve repair, or muscle repairs may restore some strength and mobility. Children with a brachial plexus injuriesl experience continued weakness in the affected shoulder, arm, and/or hand. The regrowth and repair of these tissues may take time to see improvement and results.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that begins in infancy or early childhood. It has a lifelong impact on bodily movement, muscle coordination, balance, and posture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website also states that children could face disorders with intellectual development, seizures, and vision.

People with CP may also suffer from the following conditions:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Intellectual disabilities
• Joint problems
• Seizures
• Spinal conditions
• Vision, hearing, or language issues
• Other developmental disorders

CP results from faulty brain development before birth or brain damage occurring before, during, or after delivery. The condition inhibits an individual’s capacity to retain muscle control. Person to person, the severity of cerebral palsy can range from minor to severe.

Getting a Second Opinion Can Determine If Negligence Played a Role

Always follow through on your doctor’s advice after a diagnosis. However, if you are worried, they may have caused the injury, get a second opinion from another doctor or speak with a birth injury attorney. We can help you determine your legal options when seeking redress for medical malpractice.

Call Knapp & Roberts for a Free Consultation

The Phoenix medical malpractice lawyer at Knapp & Roberts invites you to contact us for legal information about your situation. If you think your licensed healthcare provider caused your child’s condition, get a Free Consultation by calling 480.991.7677 or messaging us online. We do not get paid until you win your case.