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Birth Injury Resource Center
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If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, PPHN or any other birth related injury, please fill out this form or call us at 1-800-682-9443 for a free case evaluation.
Glossary
Birth Injury Terms
Apgar score
A method used to evaluate the physical condition of a newborn immediately after delivery. The score, ranging from 1-10, is derived by assessing the infant's heart rate, respiration, skin color, muscle tone and other factors. Infants with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders often have low Apgar scores.
Ataxia
Lack of physical coordination and poor depth perception that is often related to a neurological condition, such as cerebral palsy.
Avulsion
The least common and most severe type of brachial plexus injury in which the nerve is torn from the spine.
Birth asphyxia
A general term used to describe lack of oxygen to an infant before, during or immediately following childbirth.
Brachial plexus
A network of nerves in the neck that may be stretched during childbirth, resulting in a loss of movement and feeling in the arm, hand and fingers. This condition is called brachial plexus palsy or Erb's palsy.
Brain damage
A serious type of birth injury that may occur before, during or after delivery due to a variety of factors. Cerebral palsy is caused by a specific type of brain damage that may result from a complicated birth.
Breech presentation
A childbirth scenario in which the baby is delivered buttocks-first, rather than head-first. A breech presentation is more likely to cause birth injuries such as Erb's palsy or cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy
The name given to a group of non-progressive disorders that affect one's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Cerebral palsy can result from an injury sustained during birth.
Chorea
Continuous, "jerky" involuntary body movements that are associated with cerebral palsy.
Cognitive functions
The mental processes involving thought, perception and memory that can be affected by injuries sustained during childbirth.
CT (Computerized Topography) scan
A test that evaluates the brain for abnormalities to determine the origin of cerebral palsy.
Dysarthria
A speech disorder that often affects those with cerebral palsy, characterized by a weakness in the facial muscles that produce speech.
Dystonia
A condition involving abnormal muscle tone that causes involuntary body movements such as twisting, tremors and abnormal posture. Dystonia is frequently present in individuals with cerebral palsy.
Erb's palsy
A condition in which a stretch injury to a network of nerves in the neck, known as the brachial plexus, results in a loss of movement and feeling in the arm, hand and fingers. Most cases of Erb's palsy are the result of birth injuries that happen during labor and delivery.
Fetal distress
Signs appearing during pregnancy, labor or childbirth that indicate the fetus is not well and may have suffered injury. Signs of fetal distress include decreased movement, meconium in the amniotic fluid, and decreased fetal heart rate.
Gait
A manner of walking which can provide clues to the existence of certain medical conditions, including cerebral palsy.
Hypertonia
Increased muscle tone in a newborn infant, causing it to appear stiff or rigid. Hypertonia is often an early sign of cerebral palsy, a serious birth injury.
Hypotonia
Decreased muscle tone in a newborn, resulting in a "floppy" or relaxed appearance. This is often an early indication of cerebral palsy.
Medical malpractice
A negligent act or omission by a professional health care provider which causes injury to a patient.
Moro reflex
A reflex exhibited by a newborn that involves extending its arms when held on its back and tilted backwards so that its legs are above its head. Infants with cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders tend to retain this reflex for a prolonged period of time, beyond 5 months of age. Also known as the "startle reflex".
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
A special radiology scan that uses magnetism, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of internal structures, such as the brain. Used to detect abnormalities in the brain that are linked to cerebral palsy.
Neurapraxia
The most common type of brachial plexus birth injury in which the nerve has been damaged but not torn.
Neuroma
Scar tissue that grows around a brachial plexus birth injury, putting pressure on the injured nerve and disrupting its ability to send signals to the muscles.
Orthopedic specialist
A health care provider that specializes in treating disorders involving the bones, muscles, joints, and tendons, such as cerebral palsy.
Physical therapy
A form of treatment that uses therapeutic exercises and equipment to help individuals regain physical function and skills. Physical therapy may be used to rehabilitate children suffering from cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy and other birth injuries.
Rupture
A type of brachial plexus birth injury that occurs when the nerve is torn but not separated from the spinal column.
Seizure
A physical convulsion or combination of several physical symptoms resulting from uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may affect some individuals with cerebral palsy and other types of brain-related birth injuries.
Shoulder dystocia
A condition in which normal vaginal delivery is hindered due to the baby's shoulder being wedged behind the mother's pubic bone. The tactics used to get the infant out of this position can lead to serious birth injuries or even fetal death.
Torticollis
A state of poor muscle tone in the neck muscles that control the head's position, causing the head to turn to one side, forward, or backward. Torticollis may be a result of a birth injury suffered by the infant during delivery.
Tremors
Rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions affecting various parts of the body, often seen in individuals with cerebral palsy.