Spina Bifida

Description:

Spina Bifida (SB) is sometimes thought of as a “split spine.” It means that the spinal column of the baby did not completely close during formation in the first month of pregnancy. Also, the bones or vertebrae that normally form over the spinal column do not close and so the abnormal part of the spinal column sticks out through the opening of the vertebrae forming a noticeable lesion.

Infants born with SB may have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred. Sometimes there is no lesion present but there may still improperly formed or missing vertebrae and accompanying nerve damage. Although the spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent, which can result in paralysis (no muscle function in the legs which means an inability to walk) and other problems with mobility.

Spina bifida can also result in:
• Varying degrees of paralysis
• Absence of skin sensation because of affected nerves
• Inability to control their bladder
• Spine and limb problems depending on the severity and location of the lesion on the spine.

SB does not in any way affect a child’s ability to think, feel, and interact with other children and adults.

Cause:

There is no single cause of spina bifida but lack of folic acid has been found to be a contributing factor of SB. Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B-9 and can be found in many foods and can also be taken in vitamin supplements.

Treatment:

There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired.
However, there are possible treatments to alleviate some of the effects of SB. Some of these possible treatments are: surgery, medication, and therapy.
Many children with SB will need assistive devices such as braces, crutches or wheelchairs. Also, it will likely be necessary for a child with SB to have ongoing therapy, medical care, and/or surgical treatments to maintain their health and to encourage development and lessen the deterioration of other organs like kidney function.

Prevention:

There is no absolute way to prevent SB. However, current research indicates that eating foods with plenty of folic acid (Vitamin B-9) can help to reduce the rate of occurrence. Folic acid can be found in leaf vegetables, whole grain bread, many fruits, breakfast cereals, and dried beans. Research shows that when Folic acid can be part of a daily food plan for women prior to becoming pregnant, the chances of having a child with SB are reduced by up to 70%.

Children with Spina Bifida CAN:

Think, feel, react, communicate and be understood just like anyone else!


	About Kupenda Children Ways to Contribute Photo Gallery News & Events Disabilities Schools Children in need of sponsorship Success Stories Clubfoot Microcephalus Hydrocephalus Epilepsy Autism Down syndrome Visual Impairment Effects of Polio Spina Bifida Deformed or Missing Limbs Deafness Cerebral Palsy Hip dysplasia Spina Bifida Description: Spina Bifida (SB) is sometimes thought of as a “split spine.” It means that the spinal column of the baby did not completely close during formation in the first month of pregnancy. Also, the bones or vertebrae that normally form over the spinal column do not close and so the abnormal part of the spinal column sticks out through the opening of the vertebrae forming a noticeable lesion. Infants born with SB may have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred. Sometimes there is no lesion present but there may still improperly formed or missing vertebrae and accompanying nerve damage. Although the spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent, which can result in paralysis (no muscle function in the legs which means an inability to walk) and other problems with mobility. Spina bifida can also result in: • Varying degrees of paralysis • Absence of skin sensation because of affected nerves • Inability to control their bladder • Spine and limb problems depending on the severity and location of the lesion on the spine. SB does not in any way affect a child’s ability to think, feel, and interact with other children and adults. Cause: There is no single cause of spina bifida but lack of folic acid has been found to be a contributing factor of SB. Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B-9 and can be found in many foods and can also be taken in vitamin supplements. Treatment: There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. However, there are possible treatments to alleviate some of the effects of SB. Some of these possible treatments are: surgery, medication, and therapy. Many children with SB will need assistive devices such as braces, crutches or wheelchairs. Also, it will likely be necessary for a child with SB to have ongoing therapy, medical care, and/or surgical treatments to maintain their health and to encourage development and lessen the deterioration of other organs like kidney function. Prevention: There is no absolute way to prevent SB. However, current research indicates that eating foods with plenty of folic acid (Vitamin B-9) can help to reduce the rate of occurrence. Folic acid can be found in leaf vegetables, whole grain bread, many fruits, breakfast cereals, and dried beans. Research shows that when Folic acid can be part of a daily food plan for women prior to becoming pregnant, the chances of having a child with SB are reduced by up to 70%. Children with Spina Bifida CAN: Think, feel, react, communicate and be understood just like anyone else!