Infant Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a serious birth defect that impedes the development of the spinal cord and spine during the earliest stages of pregnancy. As a type of neural tube defect (NTD), spina bifida can lead to devastating life struggles for children and their families.

Sadly, there are cases where this condition is caused by medical errors or negligence during pregnancy care. If you suspect your infant’s spina bifida was preventable, contact Beam Legal Team. We are dedicated to helping families nationwide whose infants were diagnosed with spina bifida because of negligent prenatal care.

Understanding Infant Spina Bifida

Spina bifida occurs when the structure that eventually forms the brain (neural tube), spinal cord, and surrounding tissues do not close properly during early fetal development. This failure to close typically happens within the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

Here are three main types of spina bifida:

  • Spina Bifida Occulta: This is the mildest form, where the spinal cord remains inside the body and is covered by skin. It may cause little or no symptoms and can go undetected.
  • Meningocele: This moderate form involves a sac of fluid protruding through an opening in the spine, but the spinal cord is not in the sac. Neurological effects are less severe but still possible.
  • Myelomeningocele: The most severe and common form, where both the spinal cord and its protective covering protrude through the back. This condition can lead to paralysis, neurological complications, and other serious health issues.

Here are a few risk factors that may increase the likelihood of an infant developing spina bifida:

  • Folic acid deficiency: A well-documented cause of neural tube defects— especially in early pregnancy.
  • Certain medications: Certain medications and other drugs may interfere with fetal development if taken during pregnancy.
  • Genetic factors: A family history of neural tube defects can increase the risk.
  • Maternal diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk.
  • Maternal obesity: Women who are significantly overweight may be at a greater risk of having a child with spina bifida.

Signs and Symptoms of Infant Spina Bifida

The signs and symptoms of spina bifida vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Physical signs: A visible sac or protrusion on the baby’s back, especially in cases of myelomeningocele.
  • Abnormal spinal curvature: This may be noticeable at birth or develop over time.
  • Neurological symptoms: These can include muscle weakness, numbness, or paralysis below the defect site.
  • Bladder and bowel control issues: Damage to nerves often causes incontinence or other urinary and digestive problems.
  • Mobility challenges: Infants may need braces, walkers, or wheelchairs, depending on the extent of nerve damage.
  • Hydrocephalus: Many infants with myelomeningocele develop fluid buildup in the brain, requiring surgical treatment.
  • Developmental delays: Physical impairments can also impact overall developmental progress.

Each case of spina bifida is unique, but early diagnosis and comprehensive care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Medical Negligence and Spina Bifida

While spina bifida isn’t always preventable, there are standards of medical care, practices, and screenings designed to reduce the risk. When these protocols are not followed, the result can be a preventable birth injury.

Examples of medical negligence related to spina bifida include:

  • Failure to recommend or administer prenatal testing, such as blood tests or ultrasounds that can detect spina bifida
  • Misinterpretation of prenatal ultrasounds that show visible signs of spinal defects
  • Failure to counsel mothers on folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy
  • Overlooking risk factors like a family history of neural tube defects, obesity, or diabetes in the mother
  • Prescribing contraindicated medications that interfere with fetal development
  • Failure to diagnose spina bifida prenatally when clear indicators were present

When healthcare providers fail in any of the above ways, families are blindsided by the medical challenges their newborns face. Those challenges may have been minimized or avoided with proper care.

Long-Term Challenges and Care Requirements

Spina bifida often results in permanent disability and lifelong medical needs. Children with the condition may require a wide range of care and support, including:

  • Mobility aids and assistive devices: Walkers, braces, or wheelchairs depending on the level of paralysis
  • Physical and occupational therapy: To improve motor skills, independence, and coordination
  • Treatment for bladder and bowel issues: Often requiring catheterization or surgical intervention
  • Educational support: Including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and accommodations in school settings
  • Emotional and psychological support: Counseling for both the child and family members to manage stress, trauma, and coping skills
  • Surgical interventions: Many children need multiple surgeries, including back closure surgery and shunt placement for hydrocephalus
  • Lifetime care planning: From infancy through adulthood, ongoing management is often necessary to maintain health and mobility

Compensation Available for Families

Raising a child with spina bifida can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. If medical negligence contributed to your child’s condition, you may be entitled to compensation that can help cover:

  • Immediate and future medical expenses
  • Surgical costs and hospital stays
  • Mobility devices and medical equipment
  • Home and vehicle modifications
  • Special education services
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Lost income for caregiving parents
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lifetime care costs

Beam Legal Team can help you calculate the full extent of your child’s present and future needs. Our goal is to secure the financial resources needed to help you provide the best possible life for them.

Why Choose Beam Legal Team

Beam Legal Team has been fighting for injured children and their families across all 50 states for decades. We offer:

  • Nationwide representation for birth injury cases, including spina bifida
  • A proven track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements
  • In-depth understanding of complex medical and legal issues in birth injury cases
  • A commitment to justice and lifetime care to ensure your child’s future is secure

Contact Beam Legal Team Today for a Free Consultation

If your child was diagnosed with spina bifida and you suspect medical negligence may have played a role, you don’t have to face the fight ahead alone. Contact Beam Legal Team today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and support your family deserves.