Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a neural tube development defect that affects about 70,000 Americans. It develops during
the first month of pregnancy when the spinal column does not close completely, leaving important nerves
exposed to damages. This can leave a person disabled for life.
Spina bifida has a spectrum of problems. The most common form of this abnormality is so mild that it
is typically only apparent in x-rays or other internal imaging processes. Sometimes, there may be a
slight skin issue over the area of the spine that is not fully closed, such as a birthmark, dimple,
or patch of hair. More severe issues include the spine swelling with fluid, exposed tissues or nerves
coming out of the back, deformed brain or upper spinal column, and fluid on the brain.
Due to these malformations, a child with spina bifida can exhibit the following problems:
- Foot or leg deformities that require braces or even a wheelchair
- Urinary and bowel incontinence
- Constipation
- Numbness or loss of feeling in the lower extremities
- Paralysis
- Latex allergy
- Scoliosis or hunchback
Risk Factors for Spina Bifida
While things such as race, genetics, and socioeconomic status are out of a mother’s hands, there are
some things that can change your risk for delivering a baby with spina bifida that you can control.
Factors that increase your chances for giving birth to a baby with spina bifida include:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes
- Obesity
- High temperatures in early pregnancy (due to internal or external events like fever or hot tub)
- Use of certain anti-seizure medication
Contact Us
While spina bifida is slightly unpredictable, it is your doctor’s job to help keep your baby safe by
taking you off unsafe anti-seizure medication or treating your diabetes, among other things. If a doctor
fails in his or her duty to you and your baby, contributing to a birth injury, you may be entitled to
financial compensation.
For more information regarding birth injury, >contact a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today by calling 215-238-1130.