Spina Bifida (SB)

Spina bifida is a condition that occurs while the fetus starts to develop in the womb. One of the vertebrae (back bones) that holds and protects the spinal cord does not close normally and this leaves the spinal cord exposed. Children born with SB may have a sac bulging out of their back instead of normal skin. These children most likely have symptoms of SB already, such as bone and muscle growth abnormalities and the inability to move certain ways. Other children born with SB may have only a tuff of hair or puckering of skin on their back. These children may not have any symptoms at birth but symptoms could develop while the child grows.

SB can cause a spinal cord injury and therefore, the symptoms are the same as a spinal cord injury.
These children need professional help from many health care disciplines including physical therapy, to help increase their ability to move, increase their level of independent functioning, and decrease their risks of developing other complications.

Here are some good web pages with helpful information about spina bifida:

• http://www.sbaa.org/index.shtml http://www.asbah.org/
  

Other Neurological Conditions
Other Medical Conditions