Spina Bifida/Neural Tube Defects

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect in which the spinal column of a fetus doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy, as it's supposed to. This birth defect is usually accompanied by nerve damage that causes paralysis of the baby's legs. The most common type of spina bifida, myelomeningocele, is seen in approximately one out of every 800 babies.

The term "spina bifida" (pronounced "spine-ah biff-i-dah") is from the Latin word for "split spine." According to the Spina Bifida Association (SBA), "Spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States."

Signs and Symptoms of Spina Bifida

The most obvious sign of spina bifida in a newborn baby is a sac sticking out of his or her mid- to lower back. The potential symptoms include:

• Abnormalities of the feet or legs, such as clubfoot
• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
• Partial or complete lack of sensation
• Partial or complete paralysis of the legs
• Weakness of the hips, legs, or feet
• Hair at the back part of the pelvis (i.e., the sacral area)
• Dimpling of the sacral area

Long-term Complications of Spina Bifida

It's not known what causes spina bifida or other neural tube defects. Environmental causes, especially those experienced a woman's pregnancy, may contribute to these birth defects, but no clear causes have been identified.

The SBA noted that solid research has "shown that if all women who could become pregnant were to take a multivitamin with the B-vitamin folic acid, the risk of neural tube defects could be reduced by up to 70 percent." During pregnancy, it's a good idea to make sure that you're getting enough folic acid.

Spina bifida can often be corrected with surgery. However, later in life, new problems can arise concerning the spinal cord. This can lead to loss of function of the legs, and problems such as permanent paralysis, foot or ankle deformities, scoliosis, joint tightness, and dislocated hips. Some individuals who were born with spina bifida need to use a wheelchair for the rest of their lives.

Was Your Baby Born with Spina Bifida?

If your baby was born with spina bifida, you should speak with a birth defect lawyer to find out if you qualify to pursue damages. Evidence has shown that certain medications when taken during pregnancy might lead to an increase in the risk of birth defects like spina bifida. Our birth defect lawyers investigate these types of claims and may be able to help you seek compensation.

To learn more, please contact us today and schedule a free review of your case.