Spina Bifida

There is an association between spina bifida and latex sensitivity. Many have attributed this to the fact that people with the condition have a higher exposure to latex, since they may be in hospitals more often.

If you are talking about drugs then quite possibly. There hasn't been a formal study as to the reasons why, but it has been noticed by clinicians and social health workers that mothers who used drugs during pregnancy, or who used drugs after the baby was born, have a much less healthy bond with their baby. One of the major red flags for child abuse/neglect is a parent who is addicted to drugs.

No. A bifid spinous process is not the same. The word bifid means two branches off one process. There is one on the the second cervical vertebrae. It comes of a spinous process. This is a projection that forms what we call the spine. You can feel these down your back. Each vertebrae has one. It is considered a land mark. If you put a magic marker dot on each one, you can see if your spine curves left or right.

Spina bifida occurs when the spinal vertebrae don't fuse around the spinal cord as it should. The cord is damaged at that spot. A person with this has cord damage from that spot down. They may not be able to walk. If it is higher, they might not be able to breathe or walk or move their arms. It is similar to the effect of paralytic polio.

It is going to depend on where the damage lies in the cerebellum, the amount and type of damage from the hydrocephalus and the defects in other organs that are possibly undiagnosed at this time. When a baby presents with such severe defects of one system as these, quite often defects in other systems that make the out look for long term survival poor.

The cerebellum is located just above the brain stem and toward the back of the brain, it plays an important role in the integration of sensory perception, coordination and motor control. Science now knows the cerebellum also has a broader role in a number of key cognitive functions such as, the ability to pay attention, processing language and music and visual stimulation.


There are specialists currently looking for volunteers to participate in on going studies if anyone can give your baby a shot at life, this would be the place.

No. Spina Bifida has no effect on the size of the penis.

No, Spina Bifida develops in the first trimester while a baby is in the womb.

Yes. From the Related link below: Estimates of prevalence from 5% to as high as 40% have been proposed (for Spina Bifida Occulta, the least severe form), and Meningomyelocele (the most severe form) in about 1 in 1000 live births in the US.

With a milder form of the condition, individuals tend to be shorter than expected for their age, develop corneal clouding, and live longer

The central nervous system, which includes the spinal cord and brain.

When infection or disease causes an excess of CSF in the ventricles, the shunt is placed to drain it and thereby relieve excess pressure

No, spina bifida is a birth defect. Therefore, a person has to be born with spina bifida to have it.

That is unlikely to happen unless you have the mildest form of Spina Bifida, known as Spina Bifida Occulta. If you were not diagnosed with it as a child, it might be discovered during an X-ray or MRI. It could explain any leg weakness, back pain, or bowel or bladder problems you have had, if you have had these problems. But many people with Spina Bifida Occulta do not have any symptoms at all other than a dimple or hair patch on the skin at the location on the spine where the defect is.

Spina Bifida occurs when the spinal column and back fail to develop properly. The exact cause(s) of the defect is unknown although there is an identified link in low folic acid has been identified.

The reason sores don't heal on the lower body of a person with Spina Bifida has to do with there being less blood circulation in that area because of the Spina Bifida. But your son can see a specialist for wound care and that should help.

The term you are probably looking for is "congenital defect."

Low blood pressure in children with Spina Bifida is often caused by autonomic dysfunction, which affects the body's ability to regulate blood pressure and blood flow. This condition can result from damage to the nerves that control blood vessel constriction and heart rate. Additionally, factors such as reduced physical activity, medications, and fluid volume imbalances may contribute to hypotension in these children. Early intervention and management are important to address these challenges.

The cost of spina bifida surgery can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the healthcare provider, and geographic location. On average, surgical costs can range from $30,000 to $150,000 or more. Additionally, associated expenses like hospitalization, rehabilitation, and follow-up care can significantly increase the total cost. It's essential for families to consult with healthcare providers and insurance companies for specific estimates and coverage options.

Before the mid-1990s, about three quarters of neural tube defects could be traced to low folate levels in the mother. Since foods (mostly cereals) and prenatal vitamins now contain folate, there has been a 75% decrease in the rate of neural tube defects in the U.S. So, nowadays, the percentage of neural tube defects related to the mother's lack of folate intake is quite small, although the exact percentage has not been studied.

Spina Bifida in and of itself does not cause death, however, in patients with Spina Bifida Cystica, the opening in the back leaves the baby susceptible to meningitis. For that reason, it is important that the opening be closed as soon as possible after birth.

Many babies with Spina Bifida are also born with (or develop) Hydrocephalus, which is a build-up of fluid in the ventricles of the brain. If the Hydrocephalus goes untreated, brain damage, and ultimately death, can occur.

One common cause of death in people with Spina Bifida is Arnold-Chiari Malformation Type II. This is a malformation of the brain in which the brain stem extends down into the cerebral tonsils. As a result, the brain may press against spinal nerves that control breathing, which can result in respiratory arrest and death.

If the skin is open in any way, bacteria and other microbes can enter in to the body and cause infections. The skin is an important barrier against these. In spina bifida, any opening should be closed.