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Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a congenital malformation of the spinal cord, spinal column, and brain. Due to advancements in medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, the majority of people living with spina bifida today are adults.

The UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic provides coordinated care that often begins by working with pediatric specialists to ensure a smooth transition to adult health care. Our clinic is the only program in western Pennsylvania specializing in the unique medical needs of adults with spina bifida.


Schedule an Appointment

Call 412-232-8902 to make an appointment at the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic.

  • Directions to the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic.
  • Wayfinding Directions to the Spina Bifida Clinic at UPMC Mercy Pavilion (PDF)
  • Wayfinding Directions to Imaging and Outpatient Testing at UPMC Mercy (PDF)
  • Wayfinding Directions to the Outpatient Testing Lab at UPMC Mercy Pavilion (PDF)

Adult Spina Bifida Clinic Brochure (PDF)

Sign Up for the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic Newsletter


Clinic Care Partner

The UPMC Adult Spina Bifida clinic is designated by the Spina Bifida Association as a Clinic Care Partner, meeting all 10 standards identified as best practices to care for individuals with spina bifida.

Clinic Care Partner

Health Problems Associated with Spina Bifida

People with spina bifida typically have increased pressure in the brain (hydrocephalus), which is treated by surgical shunting (draining).

Many health issues can accompany spina bifida, such as:

  • Paralysis of the lower limbs
  • Bowel, bladder, and kidney problems
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Skin breakdown
  • Unevenness in verbal versus nonverbal or visuospatial abilities when thinking and learning
  • Executive dysfunction (e.g., difficulty planning and organizing; difficulty letting something go; difficulty regulating emotions; difficulty with time management)
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Social issues
  • Difficulty with math

Adults with spina bifida face additional unique challenges related to health and mobility, including:

  • Shoulder and back pain
  • Progressing scoliosis
  • Lymphedema
  • Shunt failure

Treatment at the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic

As adults with spina bifida age, they may experience issues related to spina bifida, but they may also encounter the typical effects of aging. Our clinic, geared specifically toward adults, combines a variety of specialties in order to provide the most comprehensive, up-to-date care for patients with spina bifida.

The UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic offers on-site:

  • Bloodwork and urinalysis to measure kidney function
  • MRI and CT scans
  • Ultrasounds of kidneys and bladder
  • X-rays

Our treatment team includes:

  • Physical medicine and rehabilitation physician
  • Physician assistant
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Nurse who specializes in spinal cord conditions
  • Dietitian
  • Peer counselor
  • Personal trainer
  • Social worker
  • Clinical/research psychometrician
  • Orthotist, as needed

Other specialists at UPMC Mercy include:

  • Neurosurgeons
  • Urologists
  • Orthopaedic surgeons

Patient Assistance Fund Program

Patient Assistance Funds are available for Pennsylvania residents with Spina Bifida who qualify. To determine your eligibility, you will need to complete and submit an Income Attestation Form (PDF), which we will provide annually and upon request. If you are approved to use the Patient Assistance Funds, we can reimburse you for purchases and expenses related to your health and well-being. After approval, you can submit receipts for reimbursement via mail:

Sara Izzo
UPMC Mercy Pavilion

1622 Locust Street, 4th Floor PM&R Clinic
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

You can also message Darcie Petrillo, PA-C, via MyUPMC or call 412-232-8902 for more details and any questions.

Mobility Assistance

Our doctors, nurses, and staff understand that mobility is crucial to an independent lifestyle. They work closely with experts at the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) to prescribe assistive devices to help you maintain your mobility and independence.

The CAT also makes referrals to vocational, social, and other community services, as needed.

Adult Spina Bifida Clinic Newsletter


Sign Up for the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic Newsletter


Past newsletter issues (PDF)

  • Summer 2025
  • Spring 2025
  • Winter 2025
  • Fall 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Spring 2024
  • Winter 2024
  • Fall 2023
  • Summer 2023
  • Spring 2023
  • Winter 2023
  • Fall 2022
  • Summer 2022
  • Spring 2022
  • Winter 2022
  • Fall 2021
  • Summer 2021
  • Spring 2021
  • Winter 2021
  • Fall 2020
  • Summer 2020
  • Spring 2020
  • Winter 2020
  • Fall 2019
  • Summer 2019
  • Spring 2019
  • Winter 2019

Additional Resources

  • Spina Bifida Association
  • Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania

Looking for...

  • Inpatient Rehabilitation.
  • Outpatient Physical, Occupational, or Speech Therapy.
  • Rehabilitation Doctors.
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