Treatment of Spina Bifida

The treatment of Spina Bifida is determined by a case by case basis. Not all forms of SB require treatment, while other require major surgery.

Forms meningocele and myelomeningocele both require surgery. Both forms need surgery to put the meninges back in place and to close the opening in the back. The surgery is oftern performed with int 24-48 hours of delivery to minimize the risk of infection and to help prevent any further trauma. Sometimes additional surgery is done to place a shunt near the brain to control the excess fluid that builds up and doesn't drain properly.

With the medical advances today, pernatal surgery can aslo be done. It is usually performed around the 26th week of pregnancy. Please click HERE to watch a video about prenatal surgery on Spina Bifida patients.

Treatment usually does not end with one or two initial surgeries. Most patients with SB require ongoing care. Some may need phisical therapy, while others require mulitiple surgeries to fix additional complications. Many people who SB have a team of doctors from multiple backgrounds contributing to ongoing care.

Please ceck out the Spina Bifida Association's website for more information about treatment and ongoing care!

Spina Bifida Complications

Like most birth defects, Spina Bifida comes with other complications. Since there are many levels of severity, complications can range from minor physical issues to very severe physical and mental disabilities. 

Physical complications - Some physical complications of Spina Bifida could be leg weakness/numbness or even paralysis, orthopedic abnormalities (club foot, hip dislocation, scoliosis), problems controlling bladder and bowel functions, skin irritations and latex allergies. 

Neurological complications - Spina Bifida can often cause complications with the cerebellum called the Arnold Chiari II malformation and hydrocephalus. There can also be abnormalities of the cortex where some parts of the brain are thicker or thinner than expected. 

Cognitive function complications - Many children with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus have demonstrated attention difficulties, including ADHD. Studies have also shown that some individuals have increased difficulty with problem-solving, planning, organization and memory functions. Because of those cognitive complications, individuals with Spina Bifida often struggle academically usually in math and reading. 

Social complications - Many children with Spina Bifida are often socially immature and tend to be more passive in social situations. Children with Spina Bifida usually do not have a lot of friends and tend to spend less time with them. They often maintain social difficulties well into adulthood. 

For more information about Spina Bifida complications, visit the Mayo Clinic's website!