Spina bifida is a congenital (birth) defect of the neural tube category, which means it involves the spine or brain. Spina bifida occurs when the backbone and spinal canal do not close properly.
Types of Spina Bifida
There are three types of spina bifida: myelomeningocele, meningocele and spina bifida occulta.
Myelomeningocele
The most common kind of spina bifida is myelomeningocele. This type is evidenced by the bones of the spine (the spinal canal) forming incompletely. This causes the spinal cord and the tissues surrounding it to stick out of the baby’s back. A baby with myelomeningocele may experience symptoms including:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Partial or complete lack of sensation
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Weakness of the hips, legs or feet
Other symptoms may include:
- Orthopedic abnormalities, such as clubfoot
- Build-up of fluid inside the skull (hydrocephalus)
- Dimpling or hair at the back part of the pelvis called the sacral area
- Allergy to latex
Meningocele
For babies with meningocele, the bones of the spine do not completely form and some of the tissue covering the spine sticks out of the defect, but the spinal cord remains in place. Babies with meningocele usually do not have nerve damage, although they may suffer minor disabilities. Additional issues may surface later in life.
When this defect is present, the bones of the spine do not close, but the spinal cord and tissues remain in place. Skin usually covers this defect. There may be no obvious impairment at birth, but slight, neurologic deterioration is usually present in childhood or adulthood, and it may progressively increase.
Treatment
Babies with spina bifida occulta seldom need treatment, especially when the condition might not even be noticeable. Spina bifida occulta may go undiagnosed for years until minor problems surface or may never be identified.
After the baby is born with meningocele or myelomeningocele spina bifida, surgery will usually be undertaken to repair the defect and return the spine and/or tissues to the correct place. Babies with the more serious condition will require surgery very soon after birth, usually within one or two days. Prior to surgery, great care must be taken to reduce damage to the exposed spinal cord. Special care, protective devices and alterations in the methods of handling, feeding and bathing the baby can be used to keep the exposed area safe.
For babies whose condition also includes hydrocephalus, a shunt may need to be placed in the cavity of the brain to drain excess fluid and reduce brain pressure. This shunt will stay in place for life.
Most children will need lifelong treatment and support. Issues that may continue to require treatment include:
- Bladder issues may require the use of a catheter may to drain. Bowel training programs and a high fiber diet may help manage bowel problems.
- Musculoskeletal problems such as clubfoot or hip dislocation may require orthopedic treatment or physical therapy.
- Neurological losses of function or feeling are treated according to location and severity.
Children with a gap high in the spinal column and more extensive paralysis may need to use a wheelchair. Those with a defect lower in the back may be able to walk with the support of crutches, leg braces or walkers.
Depakote Use Linked to Spina Bifida
Maternal use of Depakote during pregnancy has been shown to increase a baby’s risk of developing spina bifida by 12 times, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This heavily increased risk shows Depakote exposure is very harmful to infants, yet Depakote manufacturer Abbott Pharmaceuticals has not updated the drug’s labels to warn mothers of this birth defect risk. The drug company’s negligence has resulted in babies being born with spina bifida. Filing a claim against Abbott can force the pharmaceutical giant to take responsibility for its actions and the resulting financial, physical and emotional toll on your family.
For many families of a baby with spina bifida, the medical costs will be ongoing and extensive. When these costs and the pain and suffering of a little baby are the result of a drug manufacturer’s irresponsibility, the family should be fairly compensated.
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Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. One of our experienced and understanding personal injury attorneys will listen to your story and discuss your legal rights and options to help you choose the best course for your case. We are committed to obtaining the compensation you and your family deserve and are determined to hold Abbott Pharmaceuticals accountable for their negligent actions.