Spina Bifida (SB)
One of the most common birth defects in the U.S., Spina Bifida (SB) affects approximately 1,500 babies each year. SB develops during the first month of pregnancy as a result of the baby's spine not closing completely.
There are three types of SB that occur:
SB Occulta
- Mildest form
- A small defect or gap occurs in one or more of the vertebrae
- May not be visible at birth and causes no harm
- Commonly goes undiagnosed
Meningocele
- The protective covering around the spinal cord is pushed out through the vertebral opening
- Creates a sac called a meningocele
- Little to no damage to the nerves occurs
Myelomeningocele
- Most severe form
- Portion of the spinal cord protrudes through the back
- In some cases, the sacs are covered by the skin
- In most cases, the sacs are exposed and must be corrected with 48 hours after birth
- Can result in bowel and bladder problems; partial or total paralysis
The following document is a fact sheet on SB provided by the TWU APE/A department:
There are three types of SB that occur:
SB Occulta
- Mildest form
- A small defect or gap occurs in one or more of the vertebrae
- May not be visible at birth and causes no harm
- Commonly goes undiagnosed
Meningocele
- The protective covering around the spinal cord is pushed out through the vertebral opening
- Creates a sac called a meningocele
- Little to no damage to the nerves occurs
Myelomeningocele
- Most severe form
- Portion of the spinal cord protrudes through the back
- In some cases, the sacs are covered by the skin
- In most cases, the sacs are exposed and must be corrected with 48 hours after birth
- Can result in bowel and bladder problems; partial or total paralysis
The following document is a fact sheet on SB provided by the TWU APE/A department:
spina_bifida.pdf | |
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