We have Spina Bifida Statistics / Facts for each specific state. Please visit http://www.spinabifida.net

1. Educational Resource for Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

2.  Spina bifida is one of a group of birth defects
known as neural tube defects.
 Within 28 days after conception, a tissue called
the neural plate develops in the embryo and
forms a tube. The tube then develops into the
spinal cord. Spina bifida occurs when the
neural plate folds incorrectly. This results in an
abnormally formed section of the spinal
column.
Educational Resource for Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

3.  A person with spina bifida will experience loss
of body control below the level of lesion.
 People with spina bifida often experience loss
of bowel control, loss of bladder control, loss of
sensation and paralysis.
 About 80 percent of persons with spina bifida
have hydrocephalus or an excessive
accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid in the
head.
Educational Resource for Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

4.  The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown.
 Most researches believe that this defect comes
from the environment and genes.
 Women who are obese or who have diabetes
are also more likely to have a child with spina
bifida.
 Also certain use of certain anti-seizure
medication and high temperatures in early
pregnancy can cause spina bifida.
Educational Resource for Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

5.  The Spina Bifida Association of America
estimates that there are more than 70,000
persons living in the United States who have
this birth defect.
 For the United States, spina bifida occurs in 7
out of every 10,000 live births.
 The overall prevalence of spina bifida among
children was highest among children aged 4-7
years and was 14% higher among females than
among males.
Educational Resource for Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

6.  A newborn with spina bifida needs surgical
repair of the lesion shortly after birth.
 A trunk/body brace may be necessary to
encourage proper alignment of the spine and
leg braces may be required to encourage
proper development of the legs.
 Also, glasses may be needed to correct any eye
vision problems.
Educational Resource for Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

7.  There are three types of spina bifida, Meningocele
is the least common, Myelomeningocele is the
most common, and Spina bifida occulta which is
hidden at birth.
 Arnold Chiari Malformation is another condition
frequently experienced by people with spina
bifida. Part of the brain, the cerebellum, located in
the back of the head extends down abnormally
into the spinal canal.
 Most children with spinal bifida attend regular
school although special education classes may be
needed for some subjects.
Educational Resource for Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

8. Educational Resource for Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

9.  http://www.spinabifida.net/