Top 3 Causes and Symptoms of Spina Bifida

For more educational resources about Spina Bifida please visit

http://www.spinabifida.net

How it is transmitted or caused….

• Spina Bifida, also known as Neural tube defects, can be genetic.

• Environmental factors such as nutrition and exposure to harmful substances contribute to spina bifida.

• High temperatures in early pregnancy, use of certain anti-seizure medication, and medically diagnosed obesity are causes.

Symptoms and area of Nervous System affected….

• Spinal cord deformity, various degrees of leg paralysis, spine curvature, hip, foot, and leg deformities, and problems with bowel and bladder control.

• Spinal column, spinal cord, and the vertebrae are all affected.

Who is affected and what is the prognosis…

• 65 million women of childbearing age are all at risk of having a pregnancy affected by Spina Bifida.

• Prognosis is poorest for those with complete paralysis, hydrocephalus, and other congenital defects. With proper care, most children with SB live well into adulthood.

Treatments available…

• There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired.

• Surgery to close the newborn's spinal opening is performed within 24 hours after birth to minimize the risk of infection and to preserve existing function in the spinal cord.

• Treatments may include surgery, medication, and physiotherapy.

Interesting Facts…

• Over 73 % of people with spina bifida develop an allergy to latex.

• Approximately 1 in 2,000 babies are born with spina bifida.

• It occurs more frequently in white people of European descent.

Questions?

• http://www.spinaifida.net– This website provides extensive information about

SB