**The causes of spina bifida have not been
determined however, it is important to
understand that it is not either parent's fault.
Spina bifida is caused by factors beyond their control.**


Spina bifida is not rare. It occurs in two of every 1,000 children born.

Spina Bifida is a birth condition characterizied by an incomplete closure of the spine.

Advances in treatment and management have enabled children
born with spina bifida to live long and productive lives.

They may have varying amounts of muscle
paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, loss of skin
sensation, and spine and limb problems.
Most babies with spina bifida also develop hydrocephalus, the
accumulation of fluid in the brain.

Although spina bifida has different forms and varying
degrees of effect, most babies born with the condition
will need surgeries to correct spinal, foot or leg
problems; shunt surgery to drain fluid from the brain;
application of techniques to control bladder and bowel
function; and braces and other equipment to assist in walking.

With the help of parents and a team of doctors,
therapists, teachers, and others, persons with spina
bifida can achieve independence and enter the
mainstream of their communities.

Spina bifida ("open spine") occurs when the
spinal cord does not form properly during pregnancy.

There are three broad types of spina bifida:

Lipomeningocele,where a lipoma or fatty
tumor is covered by skin and located over the
lumbosacral spine.


meningocele, where the covering of the spinal cord
is pushed out in a section of the spinal column.


myelomeningocele, where both the spinal cord
and its coverings are out of position.

Since there are different types and severities of
spina bifida, each person with the condition
faces different challenges and may require
different treatments.

The best way to manage spina bifida is a team approach.
Members of the team may include:

1. Neurosurgeons,
2. Urologists,
3. Orhtopedists,
4. Physical and Occupational therapists,
5. Orthotists,
6. Psychologists, and
   
7. medical Social Workers.
   

Specific treatments for people with spina bifida include:

Surgery to close the child's back. This is usually
done in the first 24 to 48 hours of life.


Insertion of a shunt to drain excess brain fluid.


Bracing and surgery to achieve standing and walking.


Early and aggressive physical therapy to
improve range of motion and to promote normal motor development.


Bowel and bladder management programs,
sometimes including intermittent catheterization.


Psychological counseling to monitor the child's
mental status and emotional development.

MEDICAL TERMS TO UNDERSTAND:

Hydrocephalus:

The accumulation of fluid in the brain.

Lipomeningocele:

A lipoma or fatty tumor covered by skin and
located over the lumbosacral spine.

Meningocele:

The covering (meninges) of the spinal cord is
pushed out in a section of the spinal column.

Myelomeningocele:

Both the spinal cord and its covering are out of
their normal postion.