Spina
Bifida
By: Corissa
Introduction to
the Condition
Spina bifida is a Skeletal System disease that
occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not
form properly. Its otherwise known as a type of
neural tube defect. The cause of the condition is
unknown, but there are three different kinds of
Spina bifida, including:
● Spina bifida occulta (mildest)
● Myelomeningocele (Most extreme)
● Meningocele (rare, but not extreme)
Symptoms
Spina bifida Myelomeningocele
occulta
Because this version of Spina The spinal canal stays open along
Bifida is so mild, there typically Meningocele several vertebrae in the back.
aren't any symptoms. But Membranes and parts of the
sometimes you are able to see It may affect bowel and bladder spinal cord/ nerves stick out at
symptoms on the newborn's skin, function. birth, forming a sack.
whether a small dimple, a
birthmark, or a tuft of hair.
3,596,017 94%
babies were born in 2023, survived their first year of life.
1800
had Spina bifida.
Who is at risk?
Giving birth to an infant with Spina bifida can
happen to anyone, but there are other factors that
can also cause it, such as:
● Not enough folate in the mother’s body.
● Family history of neural tube defects.
● Some medicines.
● Mothers who poorly control their
diabetes.
● Obesity.
● Increased body temperature.
Four main types of treatments
Initial Spine Surgery Treating Bone and
With spina bifida, membranes and nerves Joint Problems
can push out an opening in the spine,
More corrective surgery may be needed if
forming a sac. This can damage nerves
there continues to be problems with bone
and lead to serious infections. Usually the
development, such as clubfoot or hip
surgery is performed during the first 48
dislocations. These types of surgeries are
hours. The doctor will put the nerves and
known as orthopaedic surgery.
spinal cord into the correct position then
close the gap with muscle and skin.
Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy
Helps the person with spina bifida This kind of therapy helps people with
become as independent as possible. The Spina bifida, find ways to carry out
goal is to prevent deformity, help with everyday activities and become
movement, and stop leg muscles independent. Occupational therapists
weakening more. help find practical solutions for mobility
problems, like getting dressed.
The
End
Works Cited
Andersson, Marie, et al. “Mortality Rates, Cause and Risk Factors in People with Spina Bifida, Register‐Based Study
over Five Decades.” Acta Paediatrica, vol. 113, no. 8, 22 May 2024, pp. 1916–1926,
https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.17275.
“How Many People Are Affected by or at Risk for Spina Bifida?” Https://Www.nichd.nih.gov/, 2023,
www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/spinabifida/conditioninfo/affected-risk.
Martin, Joyce, et al. “Products - Data Briefs - Number 507 - August 2024.” CDC, 2024,
www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db507.htm.
Mayo Clinic. “Spina Bifida - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 8 Jan. 2022,
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spina-bifida/symptoms-causes/syc-20377860 .
NHS. “Spina Bifida.” NHS, 2019, www.nhs.uk/conditions/spina-bifida/.
