Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect in which the spine of a fetus does not seal. Consequently, the open area of the spine often results in some damage to the spinal cord, and may result in limited lower body capabilities, paralysis, urine or bowel incontinence and fluid build-up in the brain.

The symptoms and outlook for spina bifida patients depend on the severity of the deformity and how quickly the problem is recognized and treated.¹ ²

Fast Facts

Also called: Open spine or cleft spine
One of most common birth defects in U.S.¹
Can be prevented by taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy¹

Treatment

Spina bifida is treated with therapy, surgery and medication of symptoms. The surgery will not restore nerve function.¹

United States Statistics

Spina bifida occurs in one out of every 2,000 births in the United States.³

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information on spina bifida.

Categories

Health | Diseases | Birth Defects

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The Mahalo Top 7

Official Site: Spina Bifida Association (SBA)
Wikipedia: Spina Bifida
MedlinePlus: Spina Bifida
MayoClinic.com: Spina Bifida
eMedicineHealth: Spina Bifida
WebMD: Spina Bifida - Topic Overview
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): Spina Bifida Information

Spina Bifida News

HealthDay: Steps Prior to Pregnancy Can Protect Baby (2007)
HealthDay: Maternal Obesity Heightens Risk of Birth Defects (2007)
Reuters: Folic acid cut birth defect rate in Canada-Study (2007)
ABC News: Changes to No Child Left Behind Expected (2007)
Google News: Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Facts

March of Dimes: Quick References and Fact Sheets - Spina Bifida
SBA: Frequently Asked Questions About Spina Bifida
NINDS: Spina Bifida Fact Sheet
KidsHealth: Spina Bifida
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: Spina Bifida - Fact Sheet

Spina Bifida Causes, Symptoms and Complications

eMedicineHealth: Spina Bifida Causes or Symptoms
MayoClinic.com: Spina Bifida: Causes or Signs and Symptoms or Complications
SpineUniverse: Spina Bifida: Complications Include Scoliosis and Kyphosis

Spina Bifida Treatment Options

WebMD: Spina Bifida - Treatment Overview
eMedicineHealth: Spina Bifida Treatment
MayoClinic.com: Spina Bifida: Treatment

Spina Bifida Prevention

PeaceHealth: Birth Defects Prevention
eMedicineHealth: Spina Bifida Prevention
MayoClinic.com: Spina Bifida: Prevention
SBA: Spina Bifida Prevention

Spina Bifida Scientific and Medical Journal Articles

Journal of the American Medical Association Search: Spina Bifida
PubMed Central Search: Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Clinical Trials

CenterWatch: Spina Bifida Clinical Trials
ClinicalTrials.gov: Spina Bifida Clinical Trials

Spina Bifida Holistic and Alternative Treatment

WebMD: Spina Bifida - Home Treatment
eMedicineHealth: Spina Bifida Other Therapy

Spina Bifida Support Groups

Spina Bifida Central: Spina Bifida Support Group
SBA: Links / Resources
Spina Bifida Family Support

Spina Bifida Discussion and Blogs

MedHelp: Spina Bifida Forums
Welcome to our Continuing Journey

Related Pages on Mahalo

Neural Tube Defects | Anencephaly | Pregnancy | Spinal Cord | Birth Defects | Folic Acid | Hydrocephalus | Scoliosis | Kyphosis | Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) | Depression | Seizures | Latex Allergy | Meningitis | Paralysis

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