Definition:
Klumpke's paralysis is paralysis of the brachial plexus. Brachial plexus is the arrangement of nerve fibres from above the fifth cervical (neck) vertebrae to the bottom of the first thoracic vertebrae extending through the neck, armpit and the arm. It is also described as paralysis of the forearm and muscles of the hand.
Klumpke's paralysis is also known with other names as Klumpke's palsy or Dejerine-Klumpke palsy. The risk of developing this rare condition is greater if the mother is small and when the neonate is too large to pass the pubic symphysis of the mother.
Symptoms and Signs:
Klumpke's paralysis is manifested by any of the following presentations:
* Loss of muscle function (paralysis) of the hand muscles
* Distributed lack of sensation running from the shoulder to the hand
* Horner's syndrome if the condition involves first thoracic nerves
* Hand weakness
* Disturbed vision
* Ulnar side of the arm experiences difference in sensation
* Constriction of the pupil (myosis)
* Only one side of the face is sweating
* Sunken eyeballs
* Space between eyelids are narrowed
Causes:
The most common cause of Klumpke paralysis is traumatic vaginal delivery; wherein shoulder front of the infant requires manipulation in order to pass below the pubic symphysis of the mother.
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