Spina Bifida Treatment

The Comprehensive Spina Bifida Program at Children’s of Alabama embraces the lifelong spina bifida treatment model and addresses the management of all facets of care for patients with spina bifida. Three different spina bifida treatment clinics are staffed by members of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery to support the vision of a lifetime care plan: the pre-natal clinic, the pediatric multi-disciplinary spina bifida clinic, and the adult multi-disciplinary clinic.

Pre-natal Spina Bifida Clinic

The pre-natal clinic is conducted with colleagues in the Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM). Pregnant women carrying a fetus with a presumptive diagnosis of a neural tube defect can meet with MFM providers who advise with regard to the pregnancy and delivery and with members of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery and the spina bifida clinic coordinator. The principles of care and typical course for infants with spina bifida are reviewed and the family has an opportunity to have their questions answered.

Pediatric Multi-Disciplinary Spina Bifida Clinic

Our multi-disciplinary pediatric spina bifida clinic is the largest in the Southeast and one of the largest spina bifida treatment clinics in the nation. Our team actively follows over 500 patients/families with spina bifida, and this robust experience allows us to provide high-quality care for our patients. Dr. Blount and Dr. Oakes have both served the National Spina Bifida Association as member at large and chair of the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) of the SBA.

Pediatric Spina Bifida Clinic

Meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month in Clinic 3 in the McWane Building of the Russell Campus. Physicians from four different divisions (Urology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) attend along with extensive nursing staff, social workers, physical therapists, Orthotists and Spina Bifida clinic coordinator and researchers. Please contact Betsy Hopson at 205-638-5281, for any pediatric appointment request.

Adult Spina Bifida Clinic

We are committed to facilitating lifelong care for our spina bifida patients. Therefore, in conjunction with physicians from the UAB departments of Physical Medical and Rehabilitation and Urology, we conduct the adult spina bifida clinic. This clinic follows more than 125 patients and we continue to make inroads into the challenging process of transition to adult care.

Spina Bifida Program Coordinator

Betsy Hopson, MSHA

Links
National Spina Bifida Association
UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Spina Bifida
Pediatric
Phone: 205-638-5281
Location:
McWane Building
1600 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Dearth Tower Ground Floor
Clinic 15
Second and fourth Wednesday of every month

Adult
205-934-4179
Location:
Sparks Clinic
930 20th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35233
First and Third Wednesday of every month