Pennsylvania Spina Bifida Lawyers
Philadelphia Paralysis Attorneys

Paralysis in infants is most commonly caused by Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida is a developmental birth defect that involves the neural tube. It is the incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube that results in an incompletely formed spinal cord. This occurs in the first several weeks of pregnancy, often before a mother even knows she is pregnant.

As a result, the vertebrae overlying the open portion of spinal cord do not fully form and remain un-fused. Although Spina Bifida can be closed after birth, normal functions do not return to the affected area.

Spina Bifida can be classified into three categories:

• Spina Bifida Occulta ­ the mildest form
• Spina Bifida Cystica (Myelomeningocele) ­ the most serious and most common form
• Meningocele ­ the least common

As a result of Spina Bifida, a person may experience:

• varying degrees of paralysis
• absence of skin sensation
• poor or absent bowel or bladder control
• curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
• damage of the spine
• cognitive problems

Some Spina Bifida Resources:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Spina Bifida Association
• Kids Health - Spina Bifida
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• March of Dimes