PRINTER'S NO. 2147
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
450
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY TARTAGLIONE, McGARRIGLE, SABATINA, BOSCOLA,
GREENLEAF, BROWNE, BREWSTER, DINNIMAN, FARNESE, VULAKOVICH,
TEPLITZ, SCHWANK, FONTANA, BAKER, RAFFERTY AND COSTA,
OCTOBER 17, 2016
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, OCTOBER 17, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of October 16 through 22, 2016, as
"Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Brachial plexus injuries affect the network of
nerves that control the muscles of the shoulder, arm, elbow,
wrist, hand and finger and can result in full to partial
paralysis of one or both arms; and
WHEREAS, Brachial plexus injuries occur often during the
birthing process; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 5 out of every 1,000 newborns are
affected by brachial plexus injuries; and
WHEREAS, Careful monitoring of pregnant women exhibiting any
or all of the documented risk factors associated with shoulder
dystocia and brachial plexus birth injuries and the proper use
of recommended maneuvers during delivery of a shoulder dystocia
baby can help prevent the occurrence of these injuries; and
WHEREAS, Brachial plexus injuries can occur as a result of
trauma such as automobile, motorcycle or boating accidents,
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sports injuries ("burners" or "stingers"), animal bites, gunshot
or puncture wounds, specific medical treatments, procedures and
surgeries or due to viral diseases; and
WHEREAS, Persons affected by brachial plexus injuries
experience pain in muscles, joints and ligaments, weakness,
atrophy and numbness of the affected limb and sometimes
respiratory difficulties; and
WHEREAS, Persons affected by brachial plexus injuries can
experience secondary issues, which include low tone (hypotonia),
developmental delays, speech dysfunction, chronic ear infections
on the affected side, possible hearing loss, nail bed
dysfunction, weakness of the foot on the affected side, postural
issues that could lead to scoliosis and other secondary health
issues; and
WHEREAS, Brachial plexus injuries present unique challenges
for all those affected, including challenges related to having
the full use of only one arm, as well as the challenges
associated with having a disability of any kind in our
contemporary society; and
WHEREAS, Those affected by brachial plexus injuries often
experience delayed diagnosis and lack of access to information
related to current and ground-breaking treatment options,
including surgical procedures available that could enhance
function of the affected limb; and
WHEREAS, Early intervention by specialized physicians and
experienced occupational and physical therapists is essential
for optimum functional improvement related to a brachial plexus
injury; and
WHEREAS, The brachial plexus injury community and the United
Brachial Plexus Network Awareness Committee are promoting
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"Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week" to inform and educate
the general public, the medical community, individuals with
brachial plexus injuries and their families; and
WHEREAS, Increased understanding and awareness of brachial
plexus injuries will ensure hope of a better future for people
affected, as well as possibly preventing injury from occurring;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of October 16
through 22, 2016, as "Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week" in
Pennsylvania.
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