United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Sorry to post yet again, but after reading Kate's post, I also agree there are other ways the brachial plexus can be affected. I've heard of a few other causations due to tumors growing in that area, abnormalities in the muscle/nerve development, etc... However, I've also heard atrophy is often present and yes an EMG should be able to detect how old the injury is if it is conducted very shortly after birth. In my mind those rare occurences would not be true injuries but more like abnormalities. When I think of an injury, I think of an impaction or stretching. Just my two cents, for whatever its worth! (No matter how damage to the BP occurs, its equally as painful and important also I mean no disrespect to anyone elses beliefs!)

Hi Joni & Kate,

You ladies are wonderful, the information that you posted was very helpful to me. I would have never known to ask the doctor if there was a test that could be performed early on and they never mentioned it. That would help alot, I wouldn't blame the doctor so much if I had all the correct information. But my grand-daughter she will be 3mos. on the 27th. and she is still not focusing as well as she should. It takes her a few minutes to locate you when you call her name. But her right lower eyelid is a lot thinner then the left, and her face is not really lined up correctly. Most people doesn't notice it, but because I see her everyday and I am paying close attention to the things that she is doing, I can tell that the Horner's is still present, also, when she smiles, her right check is kind of tight, though it's better, she's not quite healed of it. I do belive she had an avulsion to the nerves. From the reports from the doctors and the research that I have been doing, leads me to belive this. As I stated early on, most people dont want to give me to much information, I guess they don't want to be held accountable for the information that they give. But, what they don't realize, they are doing her a dis-service by withholding info., this is an injury that people need to be told everything about, because it is a life changing injury.

I have been so bless to join this message board, because, family members ask questions, co-workers ask questions, but they are really just being polite, but to actually meet other people who are going through, or who have gone through this, it is truly a blessing for me to be able to share information or my feelings and get feed back, which I can ask the doctor about, my daughter doesn't even realize the extent of the damage that is done to her child, I keep her abreast of everything that I find out and explain what I can to her, but she doesn't really realize the damage, she looks at her daughter as being normal. It maybe her way of dealing with things, but later on in life, I don't want her to be disappointed when the baby may not be able to do certain things that kids her age are suppose to be doing.

Thanks Again,
Yolanda

Just so you know, Yolanda, I think Horner's can either get better or worsen (depending on how involved and what happens throughout life) as time goes on. My daughter had a slight Horner's at birth and was very noticeable when she was/is over tired. However, for the most part it is not noticeable. However, I know others that have Horner's that either the upper or lower or both lids can be noticeable at varying degrees (but are still more pronounced when over tired). It's good to keep an eye on all aspects of the injuries and it may also help to get a pediatric optimologist's opinion/documentation ASAP.
Along with all the other good suggestions here, I would urge you to document frequently (in writing and photography) your grand-daughter on a month to month basis. I wish I would have been more organized at doign that with my daughter, but when you are caught up in it and trying to search for answers...well, you just don't think about it. However, many physicians, etc. will ask you "when did she do such and such..." and at what age was this present"... Not to mention, it would be good for your grand-daughter to have when it comes time to have her own family and to know of this risk and what the injury is all about.

Good luck and please keep us posted!

Peggy

Yolanda,
First and foremost, congratulations on the birth of your granddaughter! However, I am sorry to hear about her injury. My son (now 9 months old) was also injured at birth, and the doctor who delivered him not only used poor judgement during delivery, but also failed to diagnose his BPI! I insisted that something was not right with his arm, but the hospital staff simply dismissed my concerns. I speculate that they did so because I am a little on the young side(now 20 years old - not the youngest mother in the world but not the oldest either), and because they knew they were responsible for my son's injury. Well, they picked the wrong "young" mom to mess with, because I am in the process of suing the hospital. I also have my son in therapy twice a week, do ROM with him at home, and aquatic therapy once a week at a therapeutic pool.
If you have not done so already, I suggest that your daughter contact a pediatric neurologist in your area. He or she will most likely recommend appropriate therapy for your granddaughter, and/or surgery in the future. I also strongly suggest swimming. We began swimming upon the recommendation of my son's OT, and it has worked wonders for him. He can much more easily move his arm during and after aquatic therapy sessions, and he regained significant use of his arm within a few weeks of starting.
I wish your granddaughter a rapid recovery and a happy life. How lucky she is to have a mother and grandmother who care about her so much! Take care and God bless.