Traumatic peripheral neuropraxias in neonates: a case series

Traumatic peripheral nerve palsies in the newborn are uncommon but are a cause of severe anxiety in parents. Erb's palsy, brachial plexus, radial nerve and facial nerve are the common nerves affected. Perinatal injuries are the most frequent cause of traumatic peripheral neuropraxias / nerve palsies. Usually these neuropraxias are self-limited with good recovery with conservative management in majority of cases.Ten neonates with peripheral neuropraxias were included in this retrospective study based on a review of these cases over a period of three and a half years. Their clinical profile, presenting symptoms, predisposing factors and management were analyzed. We encountered five neonates with erb's palsy, three with facial palsy and two had radial nerve affection. Risk factors in our series included large babies, prolonged or difficult labour, instrumental delivery and shoulder dystocia. All cases of peripheral nerve involvement were managed conservatively with physiotherapy. Nine neonates were discharged and showed gradual improvement and one patient unfortunately succumbed due to severe birth asphyxia. Parental counseling and rehabilitation play an important part in management of these cases.