Spina bifida, or myelodysplasia, is a birth defect caused by incomplete closure of the spine, affecting approximately 1 in 800 infants, with myelomeningocele being the most common type. Symptoms can include loss of bladder or bowel control, partial paralysis, and hydrocephalus, which affects 80-90% of those with spina bifida. Treatment may involve surgery, lifelong care, and prevention measures like folic acid supplementation for pregnant women.

1. J E S S I C A E S T E P
L I S A B U R D U E
C A R L Y A M A T I S T O
Spina Bifida

2. What is Spina Bifida
 Myelodysplasia (spina bifida) is a birth defect in which
the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth.
 Myelomeningocele may affect as many as 1 out of every
800 infants.

3. Types of Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida cases include :
 Spina bifida occulta, a condition
in which the bones of the spine
do not close but the spinal cord
and meninges remain in place
and skin usually covers the
defect
 Meningoceles, a condition where
the tissue covering the spinal
cord sticks out of the spinal
defect but the spinal cord
remains in place.

4. A Closer Look
 Spina bifida refers to any birth
defect involving incomplete
closure of the spine.
 Myelomeningocele is the most
common type of spina bifida.
 It is a neural tube defect in
which the bones of the spine do
not completely form, resulting
in an incomplete spinal canal.
 This causes the spinal cord and
meninges (the tissues covering
the spinal cord) to stick out of
the child's back.

5. Symptoms
A newborn may have a sac sticking out of the mid to lower back.
The doctor cannot see through the sac when shining a light
behind it. Symptoms include:
 Loss of bladder or bowel control
 Partial or complete lack of sensation
 Partial or complete paralysis of the legs
 Weakness of the hips, legs, or feet of a newborn
 Other symptoms may include:
 Abnormal feet or legs, such as clubfoot
 Build up of fluid inside the skull (hydrocephalus)
 Hair at the back part of the pelvis called the sacral area
 Dimpling of the sacral area
 Possible medications

6. E X P L A I N S H Y D R O C E P H A L U S
Dr. Puppet

7. Hydrocephalus
 “water on the brain”
 80% - 90% of children with spina bifida will also
develop hydrocephalus

8. What is Hydrocephalus?
 Excess cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the brain which
causes the brain tissue to swell
 As the brain swells it presses against the skull, and
causes pressure on the brain tissue
 If untreated, this can cause seizures, vomiting,
irritability, sleepiness and brain damage

9. Treatment
 The goal of treatment is to reduce or prevent brain
damage by improving the flow of CFS
 A shunt system is placed in the brain in order to
drain excess CFS
 The shunt tubing travels to another part of the body,
such as the abdomen, where the extra CSF can be
absorbed

10. And Now… I Shall Demonstrate
 Any volunteers?

11. Test & Diagnosis
 Prenatal screening can help
diagnose this condition. During
the second trimester, pregnant
women can have a blood test
called the quadruple screen.
 Most women carrying a baby
with spina bifida will have
higher-than-normal levels of a
protein called maternal alpha
fetoprotein (AFP).

12. Prognosis
 Myelomeningocele can usually be surgically corrected.
With treatment, length of life is not severely affected.
Neurological damage is often irreversible.
 Many individuals with spina bifida primarily use a
wheelchair.
Life long issues include:
 more loss of function as well as orthopedic problems
such as scoliosis
 foot or ankle deformities
 dislocated hips
 joint tightness or contractures
 Infections within the shunt system

13. Prevention
 Folic acid supplements may help reduce the risk of
neural tube defects such as myelomeningocele. It is
recommended that any woman considering
becoming pregnant take 0.4 mg of folic acid a day.
Pregnant women need 1 mg per day.
 It is important to remember that folic acid
deficiencies must be corrected before becoming
pregnant as the defects develop very early.
 Prospective mothers may be screened to determine
the amount of folic acid in their blood.

14. Complications
 Difficult delivery with problems
resulting from a traumatic birth,
including cerebral palsy and
decreased oxygen to the brain
 Frequent urinary tract infections
 Hydrocephalus
 Loss of bowel or bladder control
 Meningitis
 Permanent weakness or
paralysis of legs

15. Treatment
 Genetic counseling may be recommended.
 Surgery to repair the defect is usually recommended
at an early age.
 Children who also have hydrocephalus may need a
ventricular peritoneal shunt placed. This will help
drain the extra fluid.

16. Treatments Continued
Most children will require lifelong treatment for
problems that result from damage to the spinal cord
and spinal nerves. This includes:
 Catheters
 Braces
 High fiber diet
 Antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent infections
such as meningitis or urinary tract infections.

17. Implications for Recreation
 Many individuals with
Spina Bifida are allergic
to latex. Be aware of…
 Swimming caps
 Balloons
 Rubber balls
 Food allergies: bananas,
kiwis, avocados and
chestnuts

18. Recreation Ideas
 Puppets
 Adaptive bowling
 Swimming
 Canoeing
 Horseback riding
 Wheelchair basketball

19. Support Groups
 http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/~Rowley/sb-
kids/index.html A resource for families and
providers
 Spina Bifida Association- Regional and National
 http://spina-bifida-bibliography.blogspot.com
 http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Main/:
Shriners Children Hospital

20. References
 https://health.google.com/health/ref/Myelomening
ocele
 http://www.medicinenet.com/spina_bifida_and_an
encephaly/index.htm
 http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/~Rowley/sb-
kids/index.html