Spina bifida (cleft spine) treatment and diagnostics abroad

Spina bifida (cleft spine) is a birth defect in which the neural tube and the vertebral arches do not close completely. Severity ranges from a hidden form without symptoms to myelomeningocele, which needs surgery in the first days of life.

Below are pediatric neurosurgery clinics abroad: compare their capabilities, doctors and prices.

Forms of spina bifida

• Spina bifida occulta — an unclosed vertebral arch without nerve damage, often found by chance. A tuft of hair, a dimple or a birthmark may be seen on the lower back.
• Meningocele — the membranes of the spinal cord bulge out without nerve tissue.
• Myelomeningocele — the most severe form: part of the spinal cord is in the sac; it is often combined with hydrocephalus, leg weakness and bladder and bowel problems.

Risk factors and prevention

The risk is higher with folic acid deficiency in early pregnancy, neural tube defects in the family, maternal diabetes and obesity, and some antiseizure medicines (especially valproate). Taking folic acid before conception and in the first months of pregnancy greatly reduces the risk.

Diagnosis

• fetal ultrasound and maternal blood alpha-fetoprotein — before birth;
• fetal or infant MRI — clarifies the form of the defect and shows hydrocephalus and a tethered spinal cord.

Treatment abroad

• Fetal surgery — in specialised centres, closing the defect before birth can improve the outlook.
• Closure of the defect after birth — usually within the first 48 hours.
• Treatment of hydrocephalus — a shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
• Tethered cord surgery — if symptoms worsen at an older age.
• Team follow-up — neurosurgeon, urologist, orthopedist and rehabilitation specialist.

See clinics in the pediatric neurosurgery section.

Send a request with ultrasound or MRI results — Clinics Direct coordinators will obtain a pediatric neurosurgeon's opinion free of charge.