Spina Bifida Clinic
What is spina bifida?
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you visit the Spina Bifida Clinic for the first time, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation from our team of specialists. We’ll work with you to create a personalized care plan for your child, review their medical history, discuss any concerns and perform or schedule any necessary exams or tests.
Every appointment is an opportunity for you to share updates, learn about your child’s progress and plan next steps with your care team.
Meet Your Care Team
At the Spina Bifida Clinic, your child is supported by a dedicated team of experts who work together to care for the whole family. This team includes specialists in developmental pediatrics, neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology and more.
Each provider brings deep experience in caring for children with spina bifida. You’ll also have a clinic coordinator to help guide your visits, answer questions and connect you to helpful resources along the way.
What causes spina bifida?
The exact cause of spina bifida isn’t always known, but it’s likely due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Low folic acid levels before and during early pregnancy can raise the risk, which is why a daily supplement is often recommended for people who may become pregnant or who are trying to conceive. While spina bifida can’t always be prevented, early diagnosis and care can help children thrive.
Types of Spina Bifida
There are several types of spina bifida, each affecting the spine differently. Some are more serious than others, and each type may require a different approach to care. There are three main types:
- Spina bifida occulta, or closed spina bifida, is the mildest form. It often doesn’t cause symptoms and may not be discovered until later in life. In this type, the spinal cord and nerves are usually unaffected.
- Meningocele is a type of spina bifida where a fluid-filled sac pushes through an opening in the spine, but the spinal cord stays in place. It typically causes little or no nerve damage and can lead to minor disabilities.
- Myelomeningocele, or open spina bifida, is the most serious form of spina bifida. It occurs when a fluid-filled sac containing part of the spinal cord and nerves pushes through an opening in the baby's back, causing nerve damage. This can lead to more severe disabilities, such as difficulty moving the legs.
Spina Bifida Symptoms
Symptoms of spina bifida can range from mild to severe, depending on the type and location of the spinal defect. While every child is different, some common symptoms include:
- Bladder and/or bowel-control problems
- Curved spine (scoliosis)
- Difficulty with walking or mobility
- Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus)
- Foot or leg deformities
- Lack of feeling in parts of the body
- Weakness or paralysis in the legs
Spina Bifida Treatments We Provide
We offer a wide range of spina bifida treatments tailored to your child’s specific needs, with input from multiple specialists working together to support long-term health and development.
Treatments we provide include:
- Bladder and bowel management
- Bracing and mobility support
- Developmental and behavioral assessments
- Hydrocephalus monitoring and care
- Neurological evaluations and surgical planning
- Orthopedic care, including treatment for foot or spine issues
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Spinal cord and tethered cord evaluations
- Urologic evaluations and interventions
Educational Videos
Learning how to care for your child at home is a key part of managing spina bifida. Our care team is here to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Below are step-by-step video guides created by our specialists to help you safely perform common procedures at home. These videos are designed to complement the hands-on teaching you receive in clinic.
How to start a catheter for your child
How to irrigate your child’s bladder
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Ask for a Referral
Need specialized care for your child’s spina bifida? Contact your child’s neurosurgeon, urologist or orthopedist about a referral to the Spina Bifida Clinic.
