Could this be nerve damage?

[TheRedRabbit]

DD is 18mo and we have had some issues in the past with some funny twitches that she did with her right arm, from around 7-8mo and then they slowly stopped. She was investigated for epilepsy but that was ruled out. The paediatric consultant said that it was likely to just be "one of those things" but I felt that he was very dismissive and thought I was just an over-anxious mother.

She's been walking since 13mo but I've now noticed that she doesn't swing her right arm as she walks, but carries it bent up next to her side, so that her hand is between waist and shoulder level, ifswim.

We had a traumatic labour where I was induced and had really strong contractions for 12 hours and dilated to 10cm but she still wasn't engaged and we ended up with an EMCS. It turns out she was in a very difficult position, brow presentation, and she came out with a black and swollen eye and a misshapen head, which all went down after 24 hrs.

I suggested to the consultant that she might have had some damage during this time but again he was dismissive. I'm seeing him again next week and was wondering if anyone has any idea of what this could be so that I can go in "armed" to speak to him this time.

ask for referrral to a physiotherapist for a proper assessment of her movements. insist on a referral to physio.

dont get into arguments or discussionabout damage or not - you can argue the why after she has been properly assessed by someone specialising in movement of limbs ie physio.

then if does have some issues, you could later on ask for mri scan to see if there is damage - the main thing now is to address the current problem which is how she moves her limbs. and that means physio.

I think damage to nerves is called Erbs palsy,Erbs palsy information is here:
www.erbspalsygroup.co.uk/abouterbs.php

Can she use the hand? If you hold out something for her to take on her right hand side, does she take it with her right hand, or will she swing round to still use her left? Did she crawl on all fours supporting herself on the right side?

Thanks, I had a look at the erbs palsy and I don't think that's it, unless it is very mild, as she still uses the arm and hand well, and seems right handed. It is more how she carries the arm when walking. I am actually seeing a physio for my other DD so will see if she will take a look at my youngest too.

Any other ideas of what it might be?

If she's using it then it's definitely a good sign.

Could you do some exercises with her (as playing games) where you get her to swing both arms and see if she can do it when wanting to.

It may just be the way she walks-one of dh's friends swings both arms together when walking rather than alternate, and someone else I know swings their arms sort of sideways across the body. Just different ways of walking.

Ask the physio for their opinion and don't be afraid to ask the GP for referal if you're still worried.

Thanks, I walked quite a long way with her this morning holding her left hand and she didn't swing her right arm once but held it up by her side rigidly.

I'm seeing DD1's physio this afternoon so will see what she says.