What is Spina Bifida?

    MT. LAUREL, NJ, August 01, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When the spine of a fetus fails to close in the womb, an open lesion on the spine may develop. This lesion can result in significant nerve damage and injury to the spinal cord. This happens during the first month of the development of pregnancy. While the lesion can be closed after birth, the damage to the spinal cord and nerves is permanent, which results in paralysis of the legs and causes problems with bowel and bladder function. It is possible that the child may even have learning disabilities. This is Spina bifida, and a neural tube defect.

Three Common Types of Spina Bifida

The three most common forms of Spina bifida are:

• Myelomeningocele - the spinal cord and the meninges (protective covering) are sticking from the opening in the spinal cord. This is the most severe form
• Meningocele - The spinal cord has developed normally, but the meninges are protruding from the opening
• Occulta - Vertebrae are malformed and covered with a layer of skin

Prenatal Diagnosis of Spina Bifida

Medical screening has come far and it is now possible to determine if a fetus has Spina bifida very quickly in the development. There are several opportunities for screening of the pregnant patient in which Spina bifida may be caught. Though the expectant mother does not have to undergo all these tests, the obstetrician must inform the patient that they are available. These tests include:

• Quadruple screen (AFP screen) - After 16 to 18 weeks, blood is drawn from the pregnant patient to test for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), as well as other substances. High levels of AFP indicate an increased risk of Spina bifida. If this is the case, the parents are then offered an ultrasound and amniocentesis to make a definite diagnosis

• Ultrasound - At 16 to 22 weeks, an ultrasound is performed. The anatomy of the fetus is examined for abnormalities by a qualified and well-trained medical professional

• Amniocentesis - Amniotic fluid is taken via a needle. An elevated level of AFP may indicate the need for a second test to confirm there is a problem with the development of the fetus

Prenatal Misdiagnosis and Negligence

There are several cases in which misdiagnosis or medical negligence failed to alert the future parents that they were in for a lifetime of grief with their child. These include:

• Failure to discuss the availability of testing at the proper gestational age
• Failure to genetically screen the history of both parents in a competent manner
• Failure to offer AFP screening when appropriate
• Improper lab interpretation of the prenatal screening tests
• Improper interpretation of prenatal screening results
• Misplaced or lost prenatal screening results by health care providers
• Inadequately performed ultrasound when looking at the fetal anatomy
• Pregnancy dated improperly

When these mistakes are made, it is the parents and child who pay for them. Parents must somehow learn to care for a child for their lifetime. The unexpected spinal cord injury can have a severe impact on the family dynamic in sad ways. When these types of mistakes are made, the family deserves compensation. They were never given a choice and will suffer the consequences of another party's mistake.

If your child was unexpectedly born with Spina bifida in the New Jersey or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please visit the website of experienced medical malpractice attorneys Weiss & Paarz P.C. for an initial consultation.

Source: Weiss & Paarz P.C.
Website: http://www.njmedlaw.com

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