Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Blog

The BPI Connection is on Facebook

2009-02-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

Did you know that The BPI Connection is on Facebook, and growing strong. We are now at 564 members. Let others know. Lets raise awareness brachial plexus injury/erb's palsy awareness!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=31991171822

Looking for BPI Camp Committee Volunteers

2009-02-18T16:22:00.000-08:00

We are looking for those who may be interested in volunteering time towards a BPI Camp Committee. Please let us know if you are interested.
Sincerely,
Brenda
BPI Connection
erbspalsy1@gmail.com

United Brachial Plexus Network on Facebook

2009-02-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Have you seen UBPN is now on Facebook. You can find the site at: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/145105?m=05e3e92a&recruiter_id=28019919

Come help us by supporting the cause.

To support Families and Individuals Impacted by Brachial Plexus Injuries.

Beneficiary:

Donations to the cause benefit:

UNITED BRACHIAL PLEXUS NETWORK A 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Positions:

That brachial plexus injuries should be prevented.
That more awareness is needed for brachial plexus injuries
That community involvement is the greatest resource for change.

Category:

Health

Description:

The United Brachial Plexus Network (UBPN) is a registered non-profit 501(c)3 organization devoted to providing information, support and leadership for families and those concerned with brachial plexus injuries worldwide. Available resources include: Our extensive website and online registry; programs designed to meet the needs of our community; and a variety of publications and informational materials.

Have you seen this website? Hard to believe, is all I will say

2008-11-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this website? Hard to believe, is all I will say at this point, from a guy who is the president of Shoulder Dystocia Litigation Consultants.

Advice for Doctors in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
Learner is also the president of Shoulder Dystocia Litigation Consultants, a group that works with defense lawyers, medical malpractice insurance company case managers, and hospital risk managers in shoulder dystocia-related injuries ...
Maryland Injury Lawyer Blog - http://www.marylandinjurylawyerblog.com/

Child to serve as patient champion

2008-11-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

Child to serve as patient championBurleson-Crowley Connection - Cleburne,TX,USABorn with a fractured collar bone, she is being treated for a condition called brachial plexus palsy, damage to the nerves that send signals to the spinal ...

Read more about it here: http://www.burlesoncrowley.com/publish/article_2558.shtml

Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Events

2008-10-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Are you aware of any BPI events?

Below is one that we are aware of, let us know if you know of any.

Washington State and the Greater North West

Helping Hands Greater Northwest BPI Support Group will gather at Owen Beach (Point Defiance Park) on October 19th.

They will have a live band "The Backwoods Windjammers"

For futher information contact; Peggy Fergerson: pferg@wavecable.com or Julia Aten: julia120589@yahoo.com

Double Arm Transplant

2008-10-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the recent headlines regarding the man who had a double arm transplant. You can find out more information on this at: http://news.aol.com/health/article/man-doing-well-after-arm-transplant/204773

I wonder if he will loose a lot of muscle mass waiting for the nerves to continue growing. Sounds like he already has made progress. There are lots of amazing photos.
He will be receiving an intensive program of physiotherapy, electric stimulation.
It will be interesting to see how he progresses.

Good luck Karl Merk!!!

October is Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Month

2008-10-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Did you know that October is Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Month? (UBPN) United Brachial Plexus Network has dedicated a week to raise awarenss. (October 19 - 26, 2008)

There are many things that you can do to help, and UBPN has a page on their site to help you with ideas. http://www.ubpn.org/awareness/

Try checking them out.

There is also an interesting place on facebook for the cause at:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/93688?m=b7b99169&recruiter_id=18587165

BPI Camp

2008-09-25T20:12:00.001-07:00

We are interested in setting up a Camp for those affected with brachial plexus injuries, and or their families scheduled to take place the summer of 2009.
We will be looking into various areas of the Midwest and Florida for the location.

We thought we would send out an e-mail message to see if this is what the brachial plexus community would like to see happen. If you are interested in attending, helping out, and or making a donation for the event, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Brenda
Wisconsin Brachial Plexus Injury Connection
BPI
Erbspalsy1@gmail.com
P.O. Box 23
Larsen, WI 54947

We are just trying to help out the BPI Community and UBPN with this endeavor. All and any help appreciated.

Purchase Brachial Plexus Injury/Erb's Palsy Awareness Products.

2008-08-25T19:48:00.001-07:00

Help Create Brachial Plexus Injury/Erb's Palsy Awareness for October.
You can purchase Silver Ribbon Campaign products at:
http://www.cafepress.com/erbspalsy

Silver Ribbon campaign

2008-08-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Scheduled BPI Event

2008-08-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin BPI Connection Family Gathering.
This event is to help develop connections between families affected with Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy. This is to encourage support, friendships, and encourage an informational sharing experience.This is an informal event, families, children, and Health Care providers are welcome to attend. The location is at the Comfort Suites in Appleton Wisconsin. This is conveniently located at Highway US 41 and 96 (Wisconsin Ave.), Exit 138 adjacent to the Fox River Mall and just 3 miles from the Appleton Airport.
We have set a side a group block of 10 Guest rooms. The rate for the rooms will be at $89.00/$99.00. So reserve your spot quick. Group number for this discount is: 2441. Cut-Off Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 (920-730-3800)
The hotel has the first of its kind Comfort Dome with 10, 000 sq. ft. Indoor Recreation center, Indoor pool with sauna, whirlpool, game room, outdoor sunbathing area, & Fitness Center. Microwave, Refrigerator, Iron board, Sleeper sofa, and work area in all suites. There are complimentary cocktails Mon-Sat evenings. Complimentary High-Speed wireless internet. Complimentary Airport Shuttle. Can't wait to see you there.
There is no charge for this event. Donations are accepted.
Area Attractions:
Fox Cities Stadium 1/2 miles
Fox River Mall 1/4 miles
Houdini Museum 3 miles
Barlow Planetarium 5 miles
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center 3 miles

Group block of 10 NDD guest rooms as well @ the MTG rate of $89.00 / $99.00

Need to Add to Support Group List

2007-10-30T22:34:00.001-07:00

http://www.ubpn.org

The United Brachial Plexus Network (UBPN) is a registered non-profit 501(c)3 organization devoted to providing information, support and leadership for families and those concerned with brachial plexus injuries worldwide.

Brachial Plexus Injury Support Groups

2007-10-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

Brachial Plexus Injury Support Groups (Please let us know if you have information of others.)

Chicago Brachial Plexus Injury Support Group
In January of 2001 our team got together to form what is now the Chicago Brachial Plexus Injury Support Group Inc. Our goal is to educate and promote awareness with parents, teachers, physicians, and the community about the treatment and prevention of Brachial Plexus Injury. We offer support, information, and opportunity to all who choose to welcome it! Please take a tour of our site to gain a better understanding of what we do!

http://www.chicagobpi.com/

Midwest Brachial Plexus Network, Inc
30505 E. 38th St.Grain Valley, MO 64029816-914-1957

a non-profit organization providing support and information to those touched by brachial plexus injury. Brachial plexus injury (bpi) is an injury that causes paralysis to one or both arms. Most bpi's happen during delivery of an infant, however trauma later in life may also result in a bpi. The injury can be temporary or it may cause a permanent disability. At this site you will find the most complete information about brachial plexus injury, available treatments, legal information, articles, FAQ and support services. We are dedicated to helping parents help their injured children. We also strive to provide information to the medical community so that doctors can prevent as many bpi's as possible and give prompt and accurate treatment when the injury does occur.

http://www.birthinjury.org/

The Brachial Plexus Palsy Foundation (BPPF) 210 Spring Haven CircleRoyersford, PA 19468 E-mail: contact@brachialplexuspalsyfoundation.orgThe BPPF is a 501(c)3 organization.
began in 1995 after the birth of our son Andrew, who suffered a severe brachial plexus injury to his right arm. Immediately, we knew that we were going to find ways to help with education and treatment of this injury.

http://www.brachialplexuspalsyfoundation.org/

TBPI Group
P.O. BOX 23
GLOSSOP
SK13 1WU
U.K.
Tel; +44(0)1457 860397 to leave a message
http://www.tbpi-group.org/

Connecticut Erb's Palsy and BPI Circle.
Has support board, BPI Resource section, Photos, Poems& Writings, and Connecticut Info.
http://www.ctepbpicircle.com/

Amy's MN Brachial Plexus Injury Info. & Support
email is hope16_05 @ hotmail.com
http://www.freewebs.com/bpimn/

Space Coast Brachial Plexus Injury Support Group
To support local families and individuals affected by brachial plexus injuries. Our organization is dedicated to providing information and resources to families and professionals
321-254-4469
McVieraFl@cs.com

Wisconsin BPI Connection
Was created to offer support, information, interaction among families caregivers relating toBrachial Plexus/Erb'sPalsy.
P.O. Box 23
Larsen, WI 54947
Erbspalsy1@gmail.com
http://www.freewebs.com/wbpic

News

2007-10-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Two great links below about Matt Parson a gifted musican, and guitar player that happens to have Erb's Palsy.
How I overcame my disability to make musicic Coventry - Coventry,UKMatt Parsons, aged 24, of Winchester Court, Dunchurch, near Rugby, suffers from Erb's Palsy, which restricts the movement in his left arm. ...
http://www.youtube.com/leftarmrecords

CDC Response

2007-02-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of the late Dr. J. Laurent

This is how the CDC responded to my question about tracking OBPI:
Because CDC is not a regulatory agency, it does not have the authorityto mandate reporting of health conditions. National surveillance forpublic health conditions is conducted on a voluntary basis, usuallythrough state health departments which have their own individualreporting requirements.
Most state birth defects surveillance programs monitor malformationsthat arise during gestation, rather than abnormalities that originateduring delivery or in the newborn period. However, the Division of HumanDevelopment and Disability within our center focuses on the health ofpersons living with disabilities, regardless of the origin of thecondition. I will forward your suggestion to them.
So, I guess this is a start???? ARGH!!!!

Results of Occurrence of OBPI Survey

2007-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

You can find out the growing results of the Occurrence of OBPI Survey at: http://www.opinionpower.com/results.cgi?id=343045530

I am in contact with the CDC regarding how we can go about getting them to track and collect this data. Hopefully, we will hear something back soon. I will keep you updated.

Occurrence of OBPI

2007-02-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

Photo by P. Bailey

Do you think that the incidence of OBPI in recent years has:

1. Decreased

2. Increased

3. Stayed about the same

The CDC's National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), does not collect or maintain the data on the occurrence of brachial plexus birth injuries ( e.g. Erb's Palsy).
Anyway, I am just curious to what you all think. I have been getting a lot of feed back from the above question, so I thought I would create an online survey.
Oh, yeh! The survey can be found at: http://www.opinionpower.com/Surveys/343045530.html

National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc.

2007-02-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

Did you know you can still find the National Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy Association, Inc., site at:

http://web.archive.org/web/20021128141009/www.nbpepa.org/

It is loaded on a Web Archive. It has a lot of information, and also has useful links.

You-Tube and More News

2007-02-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

I was really amazed to see quite a few videos on You-Tube regarding Brachial Plexus Injuries.

Here are a few:
The Many Faces of Brachial Plexus Injuries
FranLitz - 5 min - Nov 13, 2006 - (5 ratings)
Slide Show by Allison Steigerwalt - Mom to Bradley. Brachial plexus injuries are lifelong injuries that affect the individual and family on so many levels. ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhvoM-nsqhs

Video story Femke's first year
johnstrike - 4 min - Sep 1, 2006
Showing the remarkable recovery of Femke after suffering from Brachial Plexus Injury.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqxsAbP-XNU

Kanaan's First Day of Therapy
chrystalhurst - 1 min - Dec 5, 2006
Kanaan's first day of therapy @ Shriner's in Philly with Danielle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzas2x4YHoQ

Kanaan Clapping
chrystalhurst - 51 sec - Dec 8, 2006
Kanaan clapping after his Anterior Capsule Release
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEo215-BYvA

Isn’t this a wonderful medium.

More News from Google:
Mother, child awarded $1.8 million for injuries during childbirthVirginian Pilot, VA - Jan 12, 20072, 2004. He suffered a brachial plexus injury, according to a complaint filed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The injury caused nerves in the child’s neck ...

Updates and New Things on the Web.

2007-01-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

Some Updates and New Things on the Web.
Dr. Nath’s Web Log was updated at: http://www.drnathbrachialplexus.com/weblog/index.php
He has some new Literature noted on the log, and links to them.
The first he has listed is:
“His new discovery of scapular Shear Deformity.”

The Erb’s Coollist subscription area seems to be down at this time. Messages/Postings seem to be going through okay. Will keep you posted, if and when it is again active.

Health Conference Announcement
Brachial Plexus Conference 2007Date(s): June 15-16, 2007Type: ConferenceLocation: Sabin Education Center, Fifth Third Bank AuditoriumContact: For more information or to register, contact the Continuing Medical Education office, 513-636-6732.Sponsor: The Brachial Plexus Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

The United Brachial Plexus Network (http://www.ubpn.org)

Updates on the Home Page of site.

UBPN Order Form-new zippers pulls

President's Corner

Donor Thank yous

Anatomy Images

2007-01-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

There are many more anatomy images at this site: http://homepage.mac.com/cljanney/PhotoAlbum8.html

FAQ's

2007-01-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

I guess we will start with FAQ's.

Brachial Plexus Palsy, also referred to as Erb's Palsy, is a condition that affects the nerves that control the muscles in the arm and hand.Possible Symptoms:-a limp or paralyzed arm-lack of muscle control in the arm-a decrease of sensation in the arm or handTypes of Brachial Plexus InjuriesThe injury may involve one or more nerves of the brachial plexus.
The Brachial Plexus is located on the right and left side of your neck, between the neck and shoulder area.It is a group of nerves that run from the spinal cord through the arm to the wrist and hand.

Q. What is a Brachial Plexus Injury?

A. A brachial plexus injury is an injury to the nerves that supply the muscles of the arm. Injury to nerves of the brachial plexus can result in complete to partial paralysis to the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, or fingers.

Q. Are there various degrees of severity with a Brachial Plexus Injury?

A. There are four basic types of nerve injuries. Some people only have one type while others have a combination of two or more types.
� Avulsion- the nerve is detached from the spinal cord.
� Rupture- the nerve is separated from itself, but not at the juncture of the nerve and the spinal cord. There may be one or more ruptures in a single nerve.
� Praxis or Traction- the nerve is typically overstretched and damaged, but not detached from itself or the spinal cord.
� Neuroma- scar tissue has surrounded the injured nerve and excessive pressure is now placed on the nerve. Therefore, the nerve has trouble getting all the signals to the muscle to be able to perform a movement.

Q. How do Brachial Plexus Injuries occur?

A. Brachial plexus injuries occur when there is excessive stretching, tearing, or other trauma to the brachial plexus network. Injuries can be sustained during delivery of a baby. This is known as Obstetrical Brachial Plexus. Traumatic Brachial Plexus is seen when injuries are sustained secondary to vehicular accidents such as automobiles, motorcycles, or boats, sports injuries particularly football, gunshot wounds, or surgeries. Traumatic BPI's have also been noted with animal bites or puncture wounds.

Q. What are some symptoms associated with Brachial Plexus Injuries?

A. There are several degrees of symptoms that can be seen with BPI. Here are some of the most typical examples:
� Limited active range of motion of the entire arm or any part of the arm.
� Sensation changes in the involved arm.
� Weakness of specific muscle groups.
� Poor ability to perform typical midline activities.
� Poor ability to weight bear through the arm.
� Neglect of the affected arm.
� Posturing of the arm in atypical positions.
� Developmental Delay
� Torticollis- a shortened muscle of the neck, so the head tilts to one side.

Q. How often do obstetrical brachial plexus injuries occur?

A. The current research suggests that brachial plexus injuries are seen 1-3 in every 1000 live births.

Q. What are the treatments?

A. Treatments include but are not limited to the following: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, aquatic therapy, surgical interventions, splinting, casting, electrical stimulation.

Q. When should I initiate treatments?

A. It is essential that a person suffering from a brachial plexus injury initiate treatments as soon as possible. Typically, a person suffering from an obstetrical brachial plexus injury sees a physical therapist or occupational therapist in the first two weeks of life. The goal of the therapist is to assist the family in Range of motion exercises, assess for muscle contractions even when movement is not seen, address positioning, make adaptive equipment, reduce the infant's tendencies toward neglect, and avoid atypical movement patterns, avoid tightening of muscles, and assist with weight bearing activities even in the newborn stage.