United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My 6th mo.old is going for his first appt. with the neurologist. He seems to have problems moving his rt. arm, just like my other son who has ROBI. We were told that my older son would get better with time, so there wasn't a need to do anything. Well, of course, we all know better. This time I want to make sure we receive as much therapy and care as possible to ensure him the best opportunity of a full recovery. What are some questions? issues to be addressed at this visit?

Have you considered taking your son to a brachial plexus specialist? Sometimes neurologists take a "wait and see" approach but, if the injury is severe, you might miss the "window of opportunity" for surgical intervention if that is what is necessary to repair damaged nerves. I strongly suggest you be proactive and get input from as many professionals as possible. There are a number of picnics this summer where a bpi specialist will be there to do evaluations for free. There is one in Ohio June 1st, Chicago in Sept., New York, North Carolina, etc. Go to:
http://www.injurednewborn.com/gatherings
I think that's the url. All of the upcoming picnics and gatherings are listed on Francine Litz's website www.injurednewborn.com with dates, links to websites, etc.

If those picnics aren't doable, perhaps you could mail a videotape to one of the medical centers that has a bpi facility. This site lists them, just go to the homepage and click on medical resources.

Where do you live? Maybe someone can point you to the closest BPI specialist clinic. I too depended on a neurologist and I kick myself for that. My son will be 9 1/2 mos when he has primary and that is really cutting it close. He could have had it earlier and right now could have more movement. Karen is right they tend to have a wait and see approach and you can't do that. Please consider taking him to a BPI specialist. E-mail me if you have questions, my addy is Aldaco@swko.net
---Paula