Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Negligence

Spina Bifida is the incomplete development of the spinal cord in the womb and affects around 40 babies in Ireland each year. It is a neural tube defect where the spinal cord and vertebrae do not develop properly in the womb and causes the spine to split.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus stems from Spina Bifida and is an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (“CFS”) in the ventricles deep within the brain. The excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen and puts pressure on the brain’s tissues, leading to symptoms such as an increase in head size.

The majority of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus cases can be detected during weeks 18 – 21 of pregnancy via ultrasound scan and antenatal checks. Furthermore, if doctors suspect that the child has Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus at the time of delivery, then surgery must be carried out within 48 hours to give the child the best chance of having a better quality of life.

How Can Lavelle Partners Assist You?

Our Medical Negligence Team may be able to assist you with claiming compensation if hospital staff have failed to:

• Detect your child’s Spina Bifida during the ultrasound scan and antenatal checks
• Diagnose your child’s Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus at the time of delivery
• Treat complications arising from surgery for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

Medical Negligence Expertise

Our expert Medical Negligence Team have a vast array of experience with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus cases, and we have seen the emotional impacts that these conditions have for the child and their family. We are committed to finding the best outcome for our clients and we are here to guide you through every step of your claim from start to finish.