How is spina bifida treated?
There is no cure for spina bifida. The nerve tissue that is damaged or lost cannot be repaired or replaced, nor can function be restored to the damaged nerves. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disorder. Generally, children with the mild form need no treatment, although some may require surgery as they grow. The key priorities for treating myelomeningocele are to prevent infection from developing through the exposed nerves and tissue of the defect on the spine, and to protect the exposed nerves and structures from additional trauma. Typically, a child born with spina bifida will have surgery to close the defect and prevent infection or further trauma within the first few days of life. Doctors have recently begun performing fetal surgery for treatment of myelomeningocele. Fetal surgerywhich is performed in utero (within the uterus)involves opening the mother’s abdomen and uterus and sewing shut the opening over the developing baby’s spinal cord. Some doctors believe the
