Definition of Klumpke palsy

Klumpke palsy: A form of brachial plexus palsy in which there is paralysis of the muscles of the forearm and hand due to an injury to the roots of eighth cervical and first thoracic roots or the lower part of the brachial plexus, a network of spinal nerves that originates in the back of the neck, extends through the axilla (armpit), and gives rise to nerves to the upper limb. The brachial plexus is formed by the union of portions of the fifth through eighth cervical nerves and the first thoracic nerve, all of which come from the spinal cord.

Klumpke palsy is also known as Dejerine-Klumpke palsy, Dejerine-Klumpke paralysis, Dejerine-Klumpke syndrome, Klumpke paralysis, and Klumpke's palsy.