By: Adrian B., Mitch O., Spencer W., and Trevor Z.
Spina Bifida is a birth defect. It occurs when the bones of the spine do not form properly around the baby’s spinal cord. This disease can effect the skin on the back. It usually occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when two sides of the embryo’s spine fail to join together. In some cases the spinal cord or other membranes may push through the opening of the back.
In mild cases of Spina Bifida, there wont be any symptoms at all, which makes it hard to diagnose. People find out when they have it when they get spinal x- rays. Symptoms of severe Spina Bifida: Your legs are paralyzed Skin may open with exposed nerves Weakness in hips, legs, and feet of a newborn baby Lack of bladder control Loss of control of bowel movements Fluid buildup in the skull Hair at the rear inside of the pelvis Dimpling in the sacral region
1. Spina Bifida Occulta – the mildest form of this disease. People with this form never have any health problems, and the spinal cord is often unaffected. 2. Spina Bifida Meningocele-occurs when the membranes or protective tissues surrounding the spinal cord, known as meninges, are pushed out through vertebrae openings. 3. Myelomeningocele- the spinal column will be open along several vertebrae in a row, rather than just one or two. The spinal cord and its surrounding membranes may push out of the body to create a sac poking out of the baby’s back.
When you have this disease you will be paralyzed and unable to walk. A wheel chair is needed in order for you to around from place to place. And you will be in a wheel chair for the rest of your life.
There are no support groups for this disease in Michigan. But there are in other states like Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and others. All those locations are by the SBA (Spina Bifida Association) Foundations for this disease are The Bo Hjelt foundation for Spina Bifida, The Dana Foundation, Sophie's Voice Foundation, and others are all for Spina Bifida.
As of right now there are still no cures for Spina Bifida. But there are Treatments for Spina Bifida including: Surgery Medication And physiotherapy
You are stuck with Spina Bifida for the rest of your life because of the fact that you are paralyzed and wont be able to move around without a wheel chair.
You won’t be able to participate in a lot of activities that normal people would, and you will need assistance from family members to move you around from place to place.
There are no financial aid for Spina Bifida. But depending on your health insurance maybe they can provide therapy coverage or help pay off surgeries for Spina Bifida.