Center for Spina Bifida
Patient Referrals or to request an initial evaluation: Clinic Hours: Location: |
The form of neural tube defect known as spina bifida is the most common neurologically disabling birth defect in the U.S. The condition occurs when the fetal spinal column fails to close completely during the first month of pregnancy.
The WVU Children’s Hospital Center for Spina Bifida serves children with spina bifida, myelomeningocele, and other forms of myelodysplasia as well as related congenital conditions, such as Chiari malformation, tethered spinal cord syndrome, and associated hydrocephalus.
We also treat children with other complex spinal birth defects, such as caudal regression syndrome, sacral dysgenesis, and congenital spinal masses, including lipomas, dermoids, and dermal sinus tracts.
Our mission and passion is to help children with spina bifida and related conditions lead healthy and satisfying lives. Treatments focus on complications that arise from the condition and can include surgery, medicines, and physical therapy.
Family-friendly Care
The WVU Spina Bifida Center’s multidisciplinary team works together to provide family-friendly care. We strive to help each patient achieve his or her fullest overall health and function.
Conditions we treat include:
- spina bifida
- myelomeningocele
- hydrocephalus
- Arnold-Chiari malformation (Chiari malformation)
- meningocele
- lipomyelomeningocele
- lipomeningocele
- myelocystocele
- encephalocele
- caudal regression
- sacral dysgenesis
- tethered spinal cord syndrome
- childhood syringomyelia
- neurogenic bladder (neuropathic bladder)
- neurogenic bowel
- incontinence
Secondary conditions also receive the team's full attention. These conditions can include:
- seizures
- coordination problems or weakness
- learning disabilities
- chronic wounds
- incontinence
The Spina Bifida Clinic meets with the 4th Wednesday of every month and includes specialists in:
- pediatrics
- neurosurgery
- neurology
- nephrology
- urology
- orthopedics
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- orthotics
- social work
- nursing
Routine kidney and bladder ultrasounds are also arranged as part of this clinical program. We recommend that all individuals with spina bifida and related conditions have routine follow-up in this clinic to monitor for problems and to prevent secondary conditions.
For children over one year of age, routine, multidisciplinary follow-up is recommended every six months. For infants less than one, follow-up is recommended every three months. More frequent follow-up may be needed for individuals with active problems.
Hours of operation:
4th Wednesday of every month, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
To make a referral or request an initial evaluation, contact our scheduling call center at 800-842-3627 or 304-598-6127.
Physicians
John J. Collins, MD
Appointment Phone: 304-598-6127
Specialties
Neurosurgery; Pediatric NeurosurgerySpecial Interests
Cerebral palsy and spasticity; Cranial-cervical surgery; Craniofacial surgery; Endoscopic neurosurgery; Hydrocephalus; Neurosurgery; Pediatric brain tumors; Pediatric epileptic surgery; Pediatric Neurosurgery; Spina bifida
Margaret E. Jaynes, MD
Appointment Phone: 304-598-4835
Specialties
Child Development; Pediatric Neurology; PediatricsSpecial Interests
Attention deficit disorder; Child devlopment; School problems, Epilepsy, Neuromuscular disease, Tourette Syndrome, Telemedicine
John Lubicky, MD
Appointment Phone: 304-598-4830
Specialties
Orthopaedics; Pediatric OrthopaedicsSpecial Interests
Orthopaedic surgery; Pediatric orthopaedics; Scoliosis; Spina bifida
Ali Onder, MD
Appointment Phone: 304-598-4835
Specialties
Pediatric Nephrology/Kidney Disease; PediatricsSpecial Interests
Management of nocturnal enuresis; Treatment and prophylaxis of catheter related bacteremia
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