Learn more about Spina Bifida at http://www.spinabifida.net

1. Top 3 Causes and
Symptoms of Spina
Bifida
For more educational resources
about Spina Bifida please visit
http://www.spinabifida.net

2. How it is transmitted or caused….
• Spina Bifida, also known as Neural tube defects, can
be genetic.
• Environmental factors such as nutrition and exposure
to harmful substances contribute to spina bifida.
• High temperatures in early pregnancy, use of certain
anti-seizure medication, and medically diagnosed
obesity are causes.

3. Symptoms and area of Nervous System
affected….
• Spinal cord deformity, various degrees of leg
paralysis, spine curvature, hip, foot, and leg
deformities, and problems with bowel and bladder
control.
• Spinal column, spinal cord, and the vertebrae are all
affected.

4. Who is affected and what is the
prognosis…
• 65 million women of
childbearing age are all at
risk of having a pregnancy
affected by Spina Bifida.
• Prognosis is poorest for
those with complete
paralysis, hydrocephalus,
and other congenital
defects. With proper care,
most children with SB live
well into adulthood.

5. Treatments available…
• There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot
be replaced or repaired.
• Surgery to close the newborn's spinal opening is
performed within 24 hours after birth to minimize the
risk of infection and to preserve existing function in the
spinal cord.
• Treatments may include surgery, medication, and
physiotherapy.

6. Interesting Facts…
• Over 73 % of people with
spina bifida develop an
allergy to latex.
• Approximately 1 in 2,000
babies are born with
spina bifida.
• It occurs more frequently
in white people of
European descent.

7. Questions?
• http://www.spinaifida.net
– This website provides extensive information about
SB