Managing Spina Bifida After Birth

Spina bifida affects about 1,400 babies born in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It often leads to significant disabilities. 

Managing this disease typically starts soon after birth if it hasn’t already been treated with fetal surgery. Our physicians at Coast Neurosurgical Associates partner with you as a member of your child’s spina bifida management team. 

Let’s examine some of the ways to manage spina bifida after birth to give you a better understanding of the disease and its treatment. 

Spina bifida basics

As your child’s embryo develops, the brain and spinal cord first appear as a structure called the neural tube. At about 28 days after conception, the neural tube normally closes, and the embryo continues to develop. 

For a child with spina bifida, part of the neural tube remains open, affecting the development of the spine and spinal cord. There’s no known cause of the disease, although there are risk factors such as genetics or a vitamin B9 deficiency during pregnancy. 

There are three types of spina bifida: 

• Spina bifida occulta: a “hidden” form of the disease, there are usually few symptoms or problems from this type
• Meningocele: a condition that could affect bladder and bowel functions
• Myelomeningocele: the most serious type, this form features an open protrusion at birth that may affect the bladder and bowels or cause lack of movement or weakness in the legs

Myelomeningocele can be accompanied by a buildup of fluid in the brain. 

Managing spina bifida after birth

Myelomeningocele requires the most urgent post-birth treatment. The opening must be surgically closed within 72 hours after delivery. Quick surgery reduces the risk of the exposed nerves becoming infected. 

In addition to enclosing the exposed tissue, a shunt may be placed in the brain to drain it. 

Another complication of myelomeningocele is nerve damage that can’t be repaired. This leads to a range of symptoms and conditions that usually require a team of medical experts in a variety of specialties. 

A partial list of these conditions includes: 

• Mobility issues or paralysis
• Scoliosis
• Bone and joint conditions
• Orthopedic abnormalities
• Chiari malformation type 2, affecting the brain stem
• Meningitis
• Sleep apnea
• Reduced sensory response in the skin, leading to unnoticed wounds

It’s common for children with myelomeningocele to experience developmental delays and to experience learning disabilities. 

Prenatal screening can usually identify spina bifida prior to birth, giving you a chance to plan for the best treatment for your child. If your baby is diagnosed with spina bifida, contact Coast Neurosurgical Associates to learn more about the care we offer. Book an appointment online or call our Long Beach office directly today.