FAQ: How Do Orthopedics Help People With Spina Bifida?

How can I help someone with Spina Bifida?

Depending on the severity of spina bifida and the complications, treatment options may include:

1. Walking and mobility aids.
2. Bowel and bladder management.
3. Surgery for hydrocephalus.
4. Treatment and management of other complications.

What is the average life expectancy of a person with spina bifida?

Spina bifida cohort: no loss to follow-up. Data censored if participant was not yet 40. One further death occurred after the current cut-off at age 40. The median survival time was 28.5 years.

Can spina bifida be corrected with surgery?

Myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, generally requires surgery to correct the spinal defect and prevent infections, further injury or trauma to the exposed spinal cord and nerves. The majority of babies with myelomeningocele also develop hydrocephalus, which requires treatment.

How can I help my child with spina bifida?

Children with spina bifida might need extra help at times. Encouraging Independence

1. Teaching the child about his or her body and about spina bifida.
2. Encouraging the child to make choices, such as between two items of clothing.
3. Asking the child to help with daily tasks, such as putting away toys.

Is Spina Bifida a disability?

Spina bifida is a disease that affects children and can be very disabling. If your child has spina bifida, he or she may qualify for SSI disability benefits by applying through Social Security.

Can you live a long life with spina bifida?

Because of improved medical care, especially urologic management, people with spina bifida are living long lives and changing the way medical professionals think about the condition, said Dr. Dicianno.

Can spina bifida cause problems later in life?

Individuals born with spina bifida ( myelomeningocele ) face serious physical and social consequences, including paralysis, insensate skin, and potential social ostracism associated with loss of bowel and bladder control. Over time, muscle paralysis can produce contractures, joint dislocations, and spinal deformity.

What is the main cause of spina bifida?

Doctors aren’t certain what causes spina bifida. It’s thought to result from a combination of genetic, nutritional and environmental risk factors, such as a family history of neural tube defects and folate (vitamin B-9) deficiency.

Is Spina Bifida painful?

Adults with Spina Bifida and specifically Spina Bifida Occulta often experience pain.

Does spina bifida affect the brain?

Some babies with spina bifida have hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain ), which can damage the brain and cause further problems. Many people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus will have normal intelligence, although some will have learning difficulties, such as: a short attention span. difficulty solving problems.

Can babies born with spina bifida walk?

People affected by spina bifida get around in different ways. These include walking without any aids or assistance; walking with braces, crutches or walkers; and using wheelchairs. People with spina bifida higher on the spine (near the head) might have paralyzed legs and use wheelchairs.

Is Spina Bifida rare?

Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect in the United States. Between 1,500 and 2,000 babies out of about 4 million births are born with this disorder each year in the United States.

Is Spina Bifida considered special needs?

Most children with Spina Bifida (SB) should be eligible for special education within the public education system. Eligibility is determined by evidence that there is a disabling condition that adversely affects the education of the student in the regular education classroom.

Does spina bifida affect behavior?

Many people with spina bifida find it very difficult to manage change, which can cause a lot of anxiety; things change and this is often outside our control. Sometimes people become anxious about trying new things, or try to control all aspects of their life with rituals or routines.

Does spina bifida affect learning?

Many children with spina bifida do well in school. But some can experience difficulties, especially children with shunts that are used to treat hydrocephalus (often called water on the brain). These children often have problems with learning.