United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi. I found this website and now I'm glad I did. We have a 7 week old daughter, and she has brachial plexus palsy. I've also heard them call it erbs aplsy. We arestill new to this. We have taken her to a orth pediatrician and to a nuerologist pediatrician. Her x rays showed nothing broken, but she was unable to move her right hand since birth. She can now move her hand, fingers and in order to try yo pick up her arm she turns it inward and lifts up off the table. I was told the degree is just minor, only bruised nerve, but I was told so much info, like only certain drs can tell for sure, dont let her get past 5 months cause surgery wont be as affective,i live in Az, and noone in Az specializes in this injury, Im confused so much as to what to do now. The nuerologist said her reflexs in the injured arm are there and she has movement so thats why he said bruised, not torn. Do you think Drs are able to know this by reflexes?? He says by 5 months she should be fine , he is very confident. He says he will preform a test where they shock the nerves at that time (5months)if needed, buthe says we will not need it. Csn someone PLEASE help us here, what to do next, or ANY info will greatly be appreciated!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!! My e-mail is Pookieshouse@msn.com if anyone wants to give me some info or support. Thanks.. staci

Hi Staci,

I was pretty surprised to read your post. There aren't many on these boards from, but there are a few of us. I would be happy to help you in any way possible. I am going to email you directly. Talk to you soon.

Hi staci... I'm sorry I have to welcome you to the message board because to us it means that yet another child has been injured... but on a positive note your little one has hand and finger movement - and that in itself is a miracle and just great news!

Here is a page that should be a helpful read for now... If you go to the home page of this site and click on the Information For New Parents (middle right side) it will bring you to that page. The direct link is http://ubpn.org/awareness/2002newparents.html

Biceps without the assist of gravity at 4-6 months is what they are looking for. This means that your wee one should be in a seat, sitting up and should be able to bring her hand to her mouth easily.

There are some very important steps you should be taking at this time....the first step you are doing by being on this site. Gather all the information you can and read as much as you can about the injury so that you can make conscious decisions. If you go to the AWareness section http://ubpn.org/awareness and then go to Resources, you will find a lot of stuff to read. Print up the glossary to help you translate some of the terms used freely everywhere. Then read the General bpi sheet and the Obstetrical bpi sheet.

Also on this site is a listing of bpi specialists (created from doctors who have agreed to list themselves with this organization - some have also filled out questionaires that are linked to their info)
On the home page, go to the Medical Resource area (left middle link). It is really important to have a bpi specialist evaluate your little one at the four month time period because if a surgical repair is necessary there is a time frame involved. Know in advance that if there is not a bpi specialist in your state that you will be able to get free airfare to go out of state. Many people travel to see their specialists.

Is your little one seeing a therapist? Are you doing daily range of motion exercises? Both are very important.

So read the new parent page first and that may help you think of some specific questions...

we are here for you - the doors never close and the lights never get turned off
-francine

Hi, I have a 3 yr old daughter with right BPI and
I am formally from Az but now in Tx. I am leaving Sunday to go back for 3 weeks for a visit. Where are you located in AZ maybe we could talk while I'm there.
I definatly want to welcome you to this group if you have any questions ask away!
Jessica

Hi Staci,
I'm Cindy mom to Melanie (3.5) and Matthew (21 months) both right bpi. Melanie recovered by nine weeks, Matthew is still on the road. We have had him involved in many alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, Reiki energy, reflexology. I have just written a summary of our experiences which I will email to you.