Babies are often born with fine hairs in unusual parts of their bodies, including their backs. However, in some cases, a patch of hair could signify a more serious health issue, like spina bifida. It is the job of a physician to discover and diagnose whether a patch of hair could mean that a child has developed spina bifida. If your child was born with a hairy patch that developed into spina bifida, you should consult with an experienced Miami birth injury attorney today.
Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA understands how a serious birth injury can impact a family, and we are here for you in your time of need. Our firm is dedicated to providing our clients with the unique and aggressive legal representation that they deserve. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676, or contact us online.
Types of Spina Bifida
If you discovered a hairy patch on your child’s back, there could be various explanations. A possibility is that the extra patch of harmless and will eventually fall off from the affected area. However, a hairy patch on a baby’s back could also be an indication of spina bifida.
Spina bifida also referred to as myelodysplasia, is a disorder where the backbones, spinal cord, and the nerves in the area have developed abnormally. As a result of this abnormal development, a child’s spinal cord may develop outside of the area of the body where it belongs.
There are multiple types of spina bifida that could affect a child.
Spina Bifida Occulta
Spina bifida occulta is the least severe form of spina bifida. In this form, the spinal cord and the parts of the body that surround it will grow in its proper place, except that the bones in the lower back will be malformed.
If a child has spina bifida occulta, they may have a hairy patch on their lower back in the affected area. Other children may have a dimple or a birthmark, while others do not have any visual indication of the condition.
Meningocele
Meningocele is a form of spina bifida where the protective membranes in the spinal cord (meninges) protrude from the openings in the vertebrae. This is the moderate form of spina bifida. As a result of the meninges protruding from a child’s back, a child may appear to have a fluid-filled sac on the skin above their spinal cord. While the fluid-filled sac will not contain any nerves or spinal cord tissue, the condition can only be treated and not cured.
Apart from a protrusion from the spinal cord, meningocele can also be identified by a large tuft of hair in the affected area or a birthmark, similar to spina bifida occulta.
Myelomeningocele
Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. This form of spina bifida causes the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves to develop outside of the body in the form a fluid-filled sac.
Children with myelomeningocele often experience weakness or a loss of sensation in the areas of the body below the spinal cord protrusion. This also means that a child could have issues with bowels and bladder functions.
Additionally, some children that develop myelomeningocele may also develop hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition where the fluid inside a child’s head will increase, causing the circumference of the head to enlarge. This is a serious condition that should be addressed immediately.
There are several risk factors for spina bifida that a doctor should inform a pregnant mother about. For example, having a history of miscarriage is a risk factor that could increase the chances of a child being born with spina bifida.
In some cases, a doctor may neglect to present an issue that could cause a child to develop spina bifida. For example, there are some prescriptions that could increase the risk of spina bifida. If a doctor prescribes the incorrect medication or fails to warn about the possible side effects of a prescription, they could be held liable for the child’s injuries.
If you believe your doctor was responsible for your child developing spina bifida, you should contact our firm today.
Contact an Experienced Miami Medical Malpractice Lawyer to Evaluate Your Case
If your child was a victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced Miami medical malpractice lawyer today. Injury lawyer Prosper Shaked has worked with residents of Miami and across the State of Florida, and he would be honored to assist you with your birth injury case. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options, contact the Law Offices of Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676.