Center for Spina Bifida

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
• orthopaedics
• 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.