The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that connects the brain with the shoulder, arm, and hand. Messages sent back and forth along these nerves control arm and hand movements and warn the brain by sending pain signals when the arm, hand, and shoulder are damaged. This type of injury is also known as Erb’s palsy.
Brachial plexus injuries can occur at any age, but they are a well-known possible complication during birth, especially when improperly resolving shoulder dystocia, where the infant’s should becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone. If the shoulder is pinched or twisted while the baby is being delivered, the nerves of the brachial plexus may be injured. Care must be taken during delivery to protect the newborn’s delicate nervous system.