Spina Bifida (Structural Birth Defects): Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is 'spina bifida' ?
An incomplete closure of the spinal column that occurs before your baby is born, spina bifida leaves a baby's legs weak or paralyzed. In the most severe form, other possible problems include excessive fluid around the brain, difficulty with bowel and bladder control, deformities of the hips, knees, and feet, and learning disabilities. While children with spina bifida can live a normal lifespan, they need care by a team of specialists. ...
Source: www.aarogya.com
What is spina bifida?
Spina bifida is a defect of the spinal column that can result in handicaps ranging from subtle cases of scoliosis (a sideways bending of the spine) to paralysis and incontinence of bladder or bowels. Most babies, born with spina bifida, survive to adulthood with the proper medical treatment. But they may need crutches, leg braces or other devices to help them walk. Also, they may have learning disabilities. ...
Source: www.baiboo.com.my
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect, (NTD) and occurs when the neural tube (an embryonic structure which develops into the brain and spinal cord) does not develop correctly. It happens in early pregnancy, between the 14th and 23rd days after conception. Vertebrae fail to fuse round the spinal cord at the affected point, leaving a gap or split. The spinal cord may bulge through this gap. Nerves and nerve pathways between the brain and body may be damaged below this lesion resulting in loss of sensation and movement. ...
Source: www.antenataltesting.info
Spina Bifida is a failure of the lamina to close. The spectrum is dramatic from babies born with open spinal canals to adults with trivial defects seen on x-rays. Most late found defects are trivial. You might want to visit the web site: http://www.infohiway.com/spinabifida/ . It lists the various Spina Bifida Organizations around the United States.
Source: www.spine-surgery.com
Spina bifida is the most common form of neural tube defect. This is a birth defect that occurs when the neural tube fails to close properly during the early weeks of pregnancy, creating abnormalities of the spine, brain or skull that can result in stillbirth or lifelong disability.
Source: nutritioninpregnancy.org
Spina bifida occurs when the lower end of the neural tube fails to close. Thus, the spinal cord and back bones do not develop properly. Sometimes, a sac of fluid protrudes through an opening in the back, and a portion of the spinal cord is often contained in this sac. Paralysis of the infants legs, loss of bowel and bladder control, water on the brain (hydrocephalus), and learning disabilities are among the disabilities associated with spina bifida. Eighty to ninety percent of infants born with spina bifida live. ...
Source: www.testcountry.com
Is there a cure for spina bifida?
No, there is no cure. However, treatment is available. In addition, the possibility of spina bifida can be decreased when the mother takes a prenatal vitamin. Because the spinal cord develops so early in pregnancy, vitamins should be started before conception. All women of childbearing age should take a daily multivitamin that includes folate.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
There is no cure for Spina Bifida as nerve tissue cannot be replaced or even repaired.
Source: www.theholyangels.org
What is the treatment for spina bifida?
The first step in the treatment of a child with an open neural tube defect or myelomeningocele is surgery to close the defect in the back. The goal of this operation is not to restore neurological deficit, but to prevent further trauma to the exposed spinal cord. If the child has associated hydrocephalus (water on the brain), treatment to eliminate the hydrocephalus is necessary. In addition, ongoing multidisciplinary care is needed to address any future treatment options that may be needed.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
What are spina bifida and anencephaly?
Spina bifida and anencephaly are birth defects that occur in the first four weeks of pregnancy, before most women know that they are pregnant. Because about half of all pregnancies are unplanned, it is important to include 400 micrograms of folic acid in every childbearing age woman’s diet. Spina bifida occurs when the lower end of the neural tube fails to close. Thus, the spinal cord and back bones do not develop properly. ...
Source: www.weitzlux.com
WHAT IS SPINA BIFIDA AND HOW DOES IT OCCUR?
Spina bifida is a birth defect resulting from the incorrect development of the spinal cord that can leave the spinal cord exposed. Spinal bifida occurs when the spine and back bones do not close all the way. When this happens, the spinal cord and back bones do not form as they should. A sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Much of the time, part of the spinal cord is in this sac and it is damaged. ...
Source: www.wchd.org
How and Why Does Spina Bifida Happen?
At present the cause of spina bifida is unknown and therefore prevention is not possible, although research continues. The reason why the tube develops incorrectly is thought to be connected with both genetic and environmental factors. Spina Bifida is one of the most common defects present at birth, although the incidence varies with geographical location. Spinal Bifida is only partially hereditary. ...
Source: www.asbahu.co.ug
Does a person with spina bifida look different?
Some people with spina bifida have paralysis of the legs, and may use a wheelchair or other walking aid. Some may have a curvature of the spine and many people will have a scar at the site of the lesion.
Source: www.antenataltesting.info
Does the nuchal scan check for spina bifida?
The National screening Committee recommends that the best screen for spina bifida is the scan at 20 weeks.
Source: www.nuchal.com
What causes Spina bifida?
There is no single known cause for Spina bifida, researchers still continue to research factors such as nutrition, physical damage to the embryo, heredity, and environment.
Source: www.theholyangels.org
Why are we studying spina bifida?
Children and teenagers with spina bifida face a variety of issues in their daily lives that, at times, can be challenging for them (as well as their families) to manage. Through our research study, we are trying to better understand ways in which families cope with these issues, as well as ways in which medical professionals, psychologists, and professional organizations might be able to assist families. ...
Source: www.luc.edu
What are secondary conditions associated with spina bifida?
Special attention is needed to identify and treat secondary disabilities. Due to the wide range of neurological damage and mobility impairment it can be difficult to identify some secondary disabilities. Attention should be focused on the psychological and social development of children and young adults with spina bifida. Many recent studies, including the SBAA's Adult Network Survey, clearly indicate the presence of emotional problems that result from factors such as low self-esteem and lack of social skills training. ...
Source: sbahgc.org
Special attention is needed to identify and treat secondary disabilities. Due to the wide range of neurological damage and mobility impairment it can be difficult to identify some secondary disabilities. Attention should be focused on the psychological and social development of children and young adults with spina bifida. Many recent studies clearly indicate the presence of emotional problems that result from factors such as low self-esteem and lack of social skills training. ...
Source: www.spinabifidaofgeorgia.org
What are Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) spina bifida and anencephaly?
Neural tube defects are birth defects that affect the brain (anencephaly) and/or spinal cord (spina bifida). NTDs occur when the tissues that form the brain and spinal cord, fail to develop properly. These defects occur in the first four weeks after conception - usually before a woman even knows she's pregnant.
Source: www.materna.ca
Can spina bifida be detected before birth?
Yes, in most cases a blood test can determine the level of a protein called alpha-fetoprotein. This protein is elevated in approximately 75 percent to 80 percent of women with a fetus with spina bifida. In addition, an ultrasound of the fetus often can detect abnormality of the spinal cord and hydrocephalus. When a myelomeningocele is detected before birth, the family can meet with the neurosurgeon and other spina bifida team members for information and planning.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Are All People With Spina Bifida Allergic To Latex?
No, not all people with spina bifida have a latex allergy. It is thought that the more surgical and medical procedures a person is subjected to, the more likely they are to develop the allergy.
Source: sbdallas.org
What Is The Llongterm Outlook For A Child Born With Spina Bifida?
Thanks to medical advances, nearly all newborns with spina bifida survive and, with aggressive medical care and therapy, most of them will have normal intelligence, normal life spans, and have occupations and careers of their choosing.
Source: sbdallas.org
Can Anything Be Done To Prevent Spina Bifida?
Yes. Recent studies have shown that one factor that increases the risk of having a baby with spina bifida is low folic acid levels before conception and during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Research supports the finding that if all women of childbearing age were to consume 0.4 mg of folic acid daily prior to pregnancy and during the first trimester, the incidence of spina bifida would be significantly reduced. ...
Source: sbdallas.org
Yes. Recent studies have shown that one factor that increases the risk of having an NTD baby is low folic acid status before conception and during the first few weeks of pregnancy. If all women of childbearing age were to consume 0.4 mg of folic acid prior to becoming pregnant and during the first trimester of pregnancy, the incidence of folic acid preventable spina bifida and anencephaly could be reduced by up to 75%! !
Source: www.24dr.com
What is the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF)?
IF is the worldwide umbrella organisation for these two impairments and has a contact network in every continent. Its members are national organisations for spina bifida and hydrocephalus in more than 40 countries. These national organisations support people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in their daily lives. IF's mission is to improve the quality of life of people with hydrocephalus & spina bifida throughout the world and to decrease the prevalence of hydrocephalus and/or spina bifida by primary prevention. ...
Source: www.ifknowledge.org
Is there a connection between spina bifida and an allergy to latex?
Research has shown that children and teens who have spina bifida are likely to be allergic to latex. Natural rubber latex is made from rubber tree sap. Chemicals are used to make the sap into commercial latex, which can be used to make hospital gloves, tubes, adhesive, and even some toys. People who are allergic to latex can experience rashes on their hands; itchy, swollen eyes; runny nose; or sneezing. They may also experience chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Source: www.iclasses.org
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS A BABY MAY HAVE IF IT IS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA?
Some of their problems include: § Not being able to move lower parts of their body. (Some might need to use crutches, braces, or wheelchairs to get around. ) § Loss of bowel and lack of bladder control. (Some might have to wear protective clothing. Others learn new ways to empty their bladders and bowels. ) § They could experience fluid build-up on the brain which puts pressure on the brain (hydrocephalus), which would need to be fixed with an operation. § Learning disabilities. ...
Source: www.wchd.org
Can Elastyfree gloves be used when treating children with Spina bifida?
Yes, Elastyfree are safe for use with children suffering from Spina bifida. These children have a higher risk of developing latex allergy, as a result of having a higher exposure to latex in the form of medical devices such as surgical gloves. Since Elastyfree gloves DO NOT CONTAIN latex, they can be used safely, in preference to latex-containing surgical gloves, when treating children with Spina bifida.
Source: www.beaconpharma.co.uk
What are the implications of tethered cord for adults with spina bifida?
Tethered cord is one of the most prevalent causes of loss of function and physical deterioration in adults with sb. It is caused by sections of the spinal cord tissue adhering to scar tissue in the area of the spinal lesion. Most people who have had a lesion repaired surgically after birth will have some degree of tethering. However this tethering can cause further damage to the spinal nerves. ...
Source: www.sbhao.on.ca
Does spina bifida occulta cause bladder control problems?
The occulta form of spina bifida is the least severe form of the condition. That's why it is referred to as hidden spina bifida. It is often not detected at birth and its presence may only come to light when someone's back is being closely examined (by x-ray or MRI) for some other reason. The defect in the spine usually occurs in what is called the sacral region near the very bottom of your spine. The nerves in that region control the function of leg muscles as well as the bladder and rectum. ...
Source: www.sbhao.on.ca
