Birth Paralysis – Incidence

Klumpke’s palsy, which is one condition causing paralysis affecting an arm, is labeled as a rare disease by the Office of Rare Diseases. It is diagnosed in fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. The rate is about 1 to 1.5 in 1000 births.

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common disabilities for children and infants. It can cause paralysis, though this condition does not occur in every instance. The rate for this condition is between 1.5 and 4 per 1000 live births.

Facial paralysis often occurs due to injury during delivery. In studies, it shows that 1.8 per 1000 births have acquired facial paralysis. Most of those were from an injury by a medical professional using forceps during delivery.

A disease is considered rare when it has been diagnosed in fewer than 200,000 people in the US. The majority of these are genetic, but others may occur from infections or environmental causes. Half of rare diseases are diagnosed in children.

For birth conditions, many of these diagnoses happen because of injury during delivery. Some may be the result of incorrect use of delivery tools while others occur because of prolonged delivery. The rate of injuries occurring during birth is between 6 and 8 per 1000 births. Many of them are avoidable while the majority have a successful prognosis.

One of the most frightening thoughts for a new parent is that something is wrong with their newborn. Thankfully, these conditions rarely happen, but it’s important that parents know how to find a doctor who is experienced in this area if they are concerned.