Spina Bifida

What is Spina Bifida? Spina Bifida is a spinal cord injury as a results of a defect during in vitro development. It happens when a baby's backbone (spine) does not form normally. As a result, the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out of it may be damaged. Read More

Typical abilities of persons with Spina Bifida: With help, children with Spina Bifida can lead full lives. Most do well in school, and many play in sports. Because of today’s medicine, about 90% of babies born with Spina Bifida now live to be adults, about 80% have normal intelligence and about 75% play sports and do other fun activities.

Typical disabilities: Spina Bifida symptomatically are similar to a paraplegic, though they may be able to use their legs to varying degrees, such as using their legs to brace for transfers. The significant difference is the emotional aspect between being born with a disability, or acquiring it. People with Spina Bifida may also have issues with obesity, GI disorders, skin breakdowns, social issues, and learning disabilities.

Resources: My Child Without Limits | Spina Bifida Resource Network | March of Dimes