Diagnostic Category: Brachial plexus injury-BPI (Obstetrical Palsy)

The brachial plexus is responsible for the sensory and motor innervation of the entire upper limb. Brachial plexus damage can lead to severe functional damage. Obstetric paralysis is a special type of BPI that may occur during childbirth and affects all or part of the baby’s arm and hand. People with BPI or children with obstetric palsy tend to unconsciously avoid using the affected hand and gradually learn to compensate by using one-sided hand techniques in daily activities. This compensation leads to further functional deficits, as the muscles lose more of their strength due to diminished use.