Seattle Brachial Plexus Lawyers
Brachial Plexus Treatment
Unlike cerebral palsy and other more severe birth injuries, most brachial plexus injuries and even Erb's Palsy have a good prognosis and heal without much need for specific treatment. However, each case of brachial plexus injury is different and the chances for recovery and the type and length of treatment vary from patient to patient.
Non-surgical management is the first option for brachial plexus injury patients. Methods include physical or occupational therapy that is focused on factors such as flexibility, range of motion, motor control, and strengthening. Physical therapy methods vary and can include aquatic work, taping, joint mobilization exercises, strength training, and electrical stimulation of the nerves.
Medication is also used as a non-surgical treatment option. Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication and corticosteroids can be used to manage pain associated with nerve damage, but may not improve outcomes.
Traumatic and severe cases of brachial plexus injury can require surgical intervention. Surgical repair is usually indicated for avulsion and ruptures; the prognosis and outcome depends on factors such as timeframe of surgery, severity of initial injury and type of procedure. Common procedures include nerve grafting, in which a gap between nerves is bridged with other nerve tissue; neuroma excision, in which a neuroma is removed and the nerves reattached; neurolysis, in which the scar or other tissue that surrounds the nerve is removed; and neurotization, in which a donated nerve is used to repair an avulsion situation. Other surgeries such as arthroscopy, reconstruction, tendon transfer, and plastic surgery, may be necessary.
Each patient's prognosis and outcome will be different, and though brachial plexus injuries can heal without much intervention, other patients will need lifelong management, therapy and medical involvement. In addition to social and psychological support for their children, some parents choose to pursue litigation against the doctor or medical provider whose mistake or malpractice caused the brachial plexus injury in the first place, collecting compensation on behalf of their child to both pay for the cost of treatment and punish the negligent provider.
The Bernard Law Group specializes in representing personal injury victims and their families in court. We have the resources and the expertise to get your side of the story on the table and to fight for your legal rights from start to finish. Interested in a free consultation on a potential birth injury lawsuit? Call today for your complimentary telephone consultation with one of our skilled Seattle Brachial Plexus attorneys.
IF YOUR CHILD HAS SUFFERED FROM A SERIOUS BIRTH INJURY, CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
