Erb's palsy
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A type of paralysis affecting the arm: Erb's palsy is a condition characterized by weakness or paralysis in the arm, caused by injury to the brachial plexus network of nerves. This injury most commonly occurs during a difficult childbirth.
Usage and Examples
- Medical Diagnosis:
- The newborn was diagnosed with Erb's palsy after a complicated delivery.
- Physical therapy is often recommended for infants with Erb's palsy.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Context: The term is used specifically in medical and therapeutic settings to describe this form of obstetric brachial plexus injury. It is often classified by the specific nerves involved (e.g., Erb-Duchenne palsy).
Variants and Related Words
- Erb-Duchenne palsy: A more specific term for Erb's palsy, named after the physicians who described it.
- Brachial plexus injury: The broader category of nerve injuries that includes Erb's palsy.
- Obstetrical palsy: A general term for paralysis related to childbirth, which can include Erb's palsy.
Synonyms
- Brachial plexus palsy (in an obstetric context)
- Erb-Duchenne paralysis
Notes on Meaning
Erb's palsy specifically refers to an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves (typically C5 and C6), leading to a characteristic "waiter's tip" position of the affected arm. It is distinct from other brachial plexus injuries that affect different nerves and result in different symptoms.
Noun
- paralysis of the arm resulting from injury to the brachial plexus (usually during childbirth)