Klumpke’s Palsy – Causes
Klumpke’s palsy is a condition that occurs with newborns, causing paralysis or damage to the arm. It is directly caused by an injury that occurs to the brachial plexus. The injury is at the first thoracic nerve as well as the eighth cervical nerve. The damage happens either right before the two nerves have joined or right after where they begin to form the lower trunk.
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The issues that lead to Klumpke’s often happen during delivery of the baby, most often a vaginal delivery. It is commonly seen in situations where the mother is a small person, and the baby is rather large for her to deliver.
Because the newborn is difficult for the mother to deliver on her own, a doctor may have to pull the newborn through the birth canal. When one of the baby’s arms is extended above its head, it can damage the lower brachial plexus, resulting in Klumpke’s.
Occurrence in Older Children
While most cases of this condition occur in newborns during delivery, it can happen later in life as well. Another instance of what can cause this condition is when a child climbs a tree and falls. If they try to break their fall by grabbing onto a tree branch, it may lead to damage of the T1 and C8 nerves.
It can also happen when a child is injured in sports. Most often, it occurs in contact sports, such as wrestling and football. When it is a mild occurrence, it may feel like someone is being shocked along their arm. The person may experience temporary numbness in this case.
While it is most often associated with newborns and birth, it is an issue that can happen in many situations if both C8 and T1 nerves are damaged.