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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

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Development of a Neonatal Rat Model for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Published on: March 27, 2026
Cortical dysplasia and obstetrical brachial plexus palsy
Israel Alfonso1, Daniel T Alfonso, Andrew E Price
1Brachial Plexus Center, Department of Neurology, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida 33155-4079, USA. ialfonso@pediatricneuro.com
Journal of Child Neurology
|December 17, 2008
Summary
This study describes two infants with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy and contralateral motor cortex dysplasia. This rare association suggests prenatal cortical dysplasia may predispose infants to brachial plexus injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is a common birth injury.
- Motor cortex dysplasia is a known cause of congenital hemiparesis.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with OBPP, ipsilateral leg weakness, and contralateral motor cortex dysplasia.
- Diagnoses were confirmed clinically, neurophysiologically, and via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Findings:
- This is the first reported association between OBPP and contralateral motor cortex dysplasia.
- The findings suggest a potential link between these two conditions.
Implications:
- Prenatal motor cortex dysplasia may be a predisposing factor for OBPP.
- Further research is needed to understand this association and its clinical significance.
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