Living with Klumpke-Déjerine paralysis
A birth injury to the nerves at the shoulder that weakens the lower arm and hand.
Understanding Klumpke-Déjerine paralysis
It causes weakness and loss of movement in the lower arm and hand. Some babies also have a drooping eyelid on the same side of the face, called Horner syndrome. It is diagnosed at birth by physical exam, and sometimes X-rays and other tests show how much nerve damage there is. Most infants have the milder stretch injury and often recover within 6 months. Some need surgery, and rarely there is some permanent damage.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from baby to baby. GARD says these may occur:
- Weakness of the lower arm and hand
- Loss of movement in the lower arm and hand
- Drooping eyelid (Horner syndrome)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Periodic Paralysis Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by an injury to the brachial plexus nerves, which may happen during a difficult delivery. The injury can be a stretch, scarring, or a tear.
Also known as: dejerine-klumpke palsy; klumpke paralysis; klumpke-dejerine paralysis; klumpke-déjerine brachial plexus injury; klumpke's palsy; klumpke's paralysis
Patient organizations
- Periodic Paralysis AssociationKlumpke-Déjerine paralysis · United States
- United Brachial Plexus NetworkKlumpke-Déjerine paralysis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Klumpke-Déjerine paralysis.
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