What is the life expectancy of a kid with spina bifida?

Answer 1

I have a moderate form of spina bifida, called meningocele, and hydrocephalus but am quite independent. However, I depend on others to drive me places. I also use crutches to walk and anything further than 100 metres requires the use of a wheelchair. I also need to wear splints in order to be able to walk.

The hydrocephalus also causes great difficulty retaining important information and being in school surrounded by a large group of my classmates was extremely difficult for me, as I would find myself drifting off after a couple of minutes and then would be suddenly aware that I had lost concentration.

The spina bifida also caused nerve damage to my arms and unfortunately I can't write as quickly as a normal, healthy person does. For example, say it takes someone 30 minutes to write out a long paragraph - it would take me double that time to complete the same amount of work.

I had a shunt inserted when I was 10 days old and it's still in perfect working order and had an operation on my back when I was 5 years old. In spite of my difficulties I have managed to live a good life so far and long may it continue.

Answer 2

25 years

Absolutely NOT true! I'm 37 and I have Spina Bifida. That may have been a more accurate answer for the 1900's. But average lifespans for people with Spina Bifida nowadays are showing to be the same as anyone else, as long as things like urinary tract infections and pressure sores are treated when needed. I know several people with Spina Bifida that are almost 60. And they're still not showing any signs of slowing down.

Answer 3

More than 80% of infants born with spina bifida survive with surgical and medical management. Although complications.threaten the well-being of the survivors, the outlook for normal intellectual function is good.

Answer 4

Spina Bifida Occulta is a mild form of Spina Bifida, which may have no symptoms, other than sometimes a patch of hair or a dimple in the location of the defect.

Answer 5

The life expectancy of a person with mild spina bifida is the same as the general population, currently about 80.4 years for females and 76.2 years for males.

Answer 6

Because of muscle weakness or paralysis, a child with spina bifida will need physical therapy and may require future surgeries.