Claims for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

If your child is unexpectedly born with spina bifida or hydrocephalus, it could be a sign that something has gone wrong with your pregnancy monitoring and care. We can help you get to the bottom of what has happened and, if there is evidence of medical negligence, secure the compensation you deserve to fund a lifetime of necessary care.

What is spina bifida?

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the development of the spine. It happens when something goes wrong during pregnancy and some parts of the spine do not form correctly. It is not clear what causes spina bifida. However, known risk factors include inadequate folic acid in the mother’s diet before and during pregnancy, as well as certain drugs or infections.

How is spina bifida treated?

Spina bifida is often treated with surgery shortly after the birth. The results vary greatly from case to case, and the level of disability resulting from spina bifida will depend on the severity of the malformation and where it is located.

In the most severe form, the baby’s spinal canal remains open and membranes and nerves are exposed. In milder cases, there may be no visible signs on the outside but damage to the spinal cord still affects physical and mental development.

In addition to surgery, a range of treatments and therapies, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy, may be needed throughout the child’s life.

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a disorder caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain which compresses the surrounding tissue. It is commonly associated with spina bifida, because the malformation often causes a blockage that stops cerebrospinal fluid from draining properly.

Hydrocephalus is regarded as a medical emergency. It can lead to a range of physical and intellectual disabilities which may be more severe if the condition is left untreated. Treatment usually involves surgery to implant a shunt to drain excess fluid.

Can I make a medical negligence claim for spina bifida?

If your child is born with spina bifida or hydrocephalus and you believe that it could have been prevented with better care during pregnancy or delivery, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim.

We have helped families claim compensation where medical staff have:

• Failed to diagnose spina bifida on scans or during antenatal checks
• Failed to diagnose spina bifida or hydrocephalus after the birth
• Missed opportunities for early treatment and corrective surgery
• Made errors in shunt surgery
• Failed to recognise when a shunt is blocked and needs replacing.

What compensation can I claim?

Our solicitors will listen to what happened and determine whether you have a valid claim. If it is accepted, they will fight to get you the maximum compensation to cover:

• Any medical costs, such as treatment, therapies or surgery
• Loss of earnings due to taking time off work to care for your child
• Care costs, such as help with daily tasks and specialist equipment
• Travel expenses related to medical appointments
• Any other costs associated with the condition

Spina bifida and hydrocephalus are serious conditions. They often result in permanent spinal and brain damage and substantial claims for compensation to finance life-long care.

Our birth injury solicitors can provide advice on every aspect of your claim, from gathering the evidence and negotiating with medical teams to seeking rehabilitation support for your child. We understand that this can be a difficult time, so we will keep you fully informed throughout the process and put you in touch with relevant charities and support.

If you think you may have a claim, please contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment of your case.