a brachial plexus lesion sustained by the infant during the birthing process; three types are recognized: upper plexus type, affecting the shoulder and upper arm (Erb palsy, q.v., by far the most common form); total plexus type, involving the whole arm; and lower plexus type, involving the forearm and hand (Klumpke palsy, q.v.). SYN: brachial birth palsy, obstetric paralysis.
