Spina bifida care at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
Specialists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital have the expertise to diagnose and treat spina bifida. And your child is cared for by an experienced team delivering specialized therapeutic and advanced surgical care. Our multidisciplinary approach to care means your child benefits from the expertise of multiple specialists and receives a comprehensive care plan.
Diagnosing spina bifida during and after pregnancy
Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube of the spine does not fully close during the first month of pregnancy. There are several different types of spina bifida. The three most common types are myelomeningocele, meningocele and spina bifida occulta. Your child’s doctor will explain what type of spina bifida your child has, what symptoms they may experience and the treatment options.
Spina bifida may be diagnosed during pregnancy screening tests (prenatal tests), such as ultrasound or amniocentesis. In mild cases, spina bifida may not be diagnosed until after your baby is born.
If your baby is diagnosed with spina bifida during your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as ultrasound, MRI and fetal echocardiogram (fetal echo), or may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Ascension St. Vincent. Your care team may also include genetic counselors, OB-GYNs, neonatologists, and other pediatric specialists. Your care team takes the time to fully explain your child’s diagnosis and answer your questions.
Advanced care during and after delivery
To make sure you and your baby have the most advanced care, your doctor may refer you to deliver your baby at the new Women and Infants Hospital. This delivery unit is connected to the highest level of neonatal intensive care at our Level IV NICU.
Your care team during labor and delivery may include specially trained labor and delivery nurses, OB-GYNs, pediatric anesthesiologists, neonatologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists (MFMs), nurse coordinators, ultrasonographers, pediatric neurosurgeons, and more. Your care team also works with other pediatric specialists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital to provide comprehensive care for babies born with spina bifida.
Advanced treatments for children with spina bifida
Some children will need very little treatment, while others may need care from several different specialists. Treatment options may include:
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Surgery
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis is a Level I Children's Surgery Center – meaning we deliver the highest level of surgical care for infants and children.
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Urologic care
Spina bifida can cause incontinence (inability to control when you go to the bathroom), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and kidney and bladder conditions. Pediatric urologists work with you and your child to create a care plan that’s right for your child. Care plans may include special diets, catheters, colostomy bags, and other treatments.
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Medications
Medications may be recommended as part of your child’s care plan. Medications can help relieve some of the symptoms of spina bifida, such as bladder dysfunction and depression.
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Physical, occupational and speech therapy
Pediatric therapists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital create personalized therapy plans for children with spina bifida. Your child’s care plan may include a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
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Wheelchairs and other equipment
Spina bifida can affect some children’s ability to walk. To help improve your child’s mobility, we work with your child to find a walking aid that’s right for your child. Our care teams help your child adjust to using a walking aid, such as a brace, walker or wheelchair.
An experienced multispecialty team dedicated to your child’s care
When your child has a complex condition like spina bifida, they can benefit from having a multispecialty team. You may meet with multiple specialists in one visit. This multispecialty approach allows for close collaboration between your child’s team of specialists and the development of an individualized and comprehensive treatment plan. Your child’s care team may include:
- Audiologists
- Dietitians
- Geneticists
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
- Neurosurgeons
- Orthopedic specialists
- Pediatricians
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists
- Physical, speech and occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Specialized nurses
- Spine specialists