What is the Difference Between Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Erb's palsy and Klumpke's palsy are both types of brachial plexus injuries, but they affect different nerves and muscles in the shoulder and arm. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that begin at the spinal cord in the neck and control a person's hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Key differences between Erb's and Klumpke's palsy include:
- Erb's Palsy: Results from neuronal damage to the upper C5 and C6 nerves. It typically affects the upper arm, including the shoulder and upper bicep, and can cause a decrease in muscle tone. People with Erb's palsy may have difficulty operating the top part of their arm, sometimes extending to the elbow.
- Klumpke's Palsy: Causes paralysis of the forearm and hand muscles as a result of mechanical damage to the lower C8 and T1 nerves. It usually affects the lower arm, including the wrist, hand, or fingers, and can result in decreased muscle tone and dexterity. People with Klumpke's palsy may have control over their upper arm, but sometimes they may have difficulty with their upper arm as well.
Both Erb's and Klumpke's palsy can range in severity, with some injuries being temporary, while others are permanent. These conditions are often caused by damage to the brachial plexus network during childbirth, such as when the head, shoulder, neck, or arm of the child is stretched or improperly manipulated. The risk of brachial plexus injury is increased if the infant has a high birth weight, is breech, or if labor is prolonged.
Comparative Table: Erb’s Palsy vs Klumpke’s Palsy
Here is a table comparing the differences between Erb's Palsy and Klumpke's Palsy:
| Feature | Erb's Palsy | Klumpke's Palsy |
|---|---|---|
| Nerve Damage | Upper C5 and C6 nerves | Lower C8 and T1 nerves |
| Affected Area | Upper arm, shoulder, upper bicep | Lower arm, wrist, hand, and fingers |
| Muscle Tone | Decreased muscle tone in the affected area | Decreased muscle tone in the affected area |
| Dexterity | May not affect dexterity | May result in a loss of dexterity, impacting tasks like writing, typing, or buttoning a shirt |
| Incidence | 0.9 to 2.8 per 1000 live births | 2 to 2.5 per 1000 live births |
Erb's Palsy is characterized by partial or full paralysis of the arm and often accompanies Klumpke's Palsy. Klumpke's Palsy, on the other hand, causes paralysis of the forearm and hand muscles. Both conditions result from neuronal damage to the brachial plexus nerves, but they affect different nerves and muscles in the shoulder and arm.
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