Brachial plexus birth palsy

At Children’s Hospital Boston, we understand that the first step to treating your child is obtaining an accurate, timely and thorough diagnosis.

How is brachial plexus birth palsy diagnosed?

Brachial plexus birth palsy can be diagnosed by your baby’s pediatrician upon a thorough medical history and physical examination. Since the majority of babies with a brachial plexus injury recover in the first month to six weeks after they’re born, these exams can be scheduled with a primary care doctor. Children who continue to have problems beyond six weeks should be seen by an orthopedist or brachial plexus specialist.

In addition to a physical exam, doctors may conduct special imaging studies like an MRI or nerve conduction studies, although for babies, these tests are not as reliable as they are for adults and require anesthesia. If doctors suspect that your child also has a fracture, they may take an x-ray, too. It’s important to find an experienced doctor who will be able to track your child’s progress over repeated exams.