Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida Facts
Spina Bifida is characterized by incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or the meninges around the brain and spinal cord.
Spina Bifida has no exact cause. Some scientists suspect factors that may be genetic, nutritional, or environmental, however, no real cause is known at this time.
There are 4 types of Spina Bifida; Occulta (mildest and most common), Closed neural tube defects (spinal cord is marked by a malformation of fat, bone, or meninges), Meningocele (meninges and spinal fluid protrude through an abnormal vertebral opening), and Myelomeningocele (most severe).
Those who are diagnosed with Spina Bifida may face difficulties with sleep, mobility, and bladder control.
Though there is no cure for Spina Bifida, early intervention is the means to a better outcome! Key priorities for treatment include; prevention of infection of the exposed area and adapting assistive devices for fine and gross motor movement and speech production if needed.
“Children with Spina Bifida can grow and develop just like other children! They do not need to be limited in resources, but given options to best fit their needs.”
- Riley, SLP
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