Obstetric brachial plexus palsy: a clinical and electrophysiologic evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) occurs as sequelae of birth-related trauma, antenatal and parturition related complications. It is associated with varying degrees of functional disability. Electrodiagnostic studies (EDS) are an adjunctive tool and help to localise and prognosticate the outcome of OBPP.

METHODS

Fourteen children, presenting with OBPP to the Clinical Neurophysiology Lab, were analyzed. Details of birth history were obtained, and EDS were performed to characterize the lesion.

RESULTS

The age ranged from one month to one year. Ten had unilateral and four bilateral brachial palsy. On EDS, five had pan-plexus, six predominantly upper plexus and three lower plexus involvement. A poor re-innervation pattern on EMG correlated with inadequate recovery.

CONCLUSION

OBPP, a condition associated with considerable disability, needs to be prevented. Electrodiagnostic studies are a useful adjunctive tool for characterizing the site of injury and prognostication.