What category is spina bifida?

What category is spina bifida?

Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way.

Is spina bifida a disease or disorder?

Spina bifida is usually an isolated birth defect but it can also occur as part of a syndrome with other birth defects. It is one of a group of disorders known as neural tube defects.

Is spina bifida considered special needs?

Most children with Spina Bifida (SB) should be eligible for special education within the public education system. Eligibility is determined by evidence that there is a disabling condition that adversely affects the education of the student in the regular education classroom.

Is spina bifida considered a spinal cord injury?

Congenital defects are problems that result from abnormal growth or development of the spine and spinal cord, and include spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal cord or myelomeningocele), scoliosis (bending or twisting of bony spine), tethered spinal cord and diastematomyelia (abnormal division of the spinal …

What is a Meningomyelocele?

A myelomeningocele (pronounced my-elo-men-IN-go-seal) is a defect of the backbone (spine) and spinal cord. Before birth, the baby’s spine, the spinal cord and the spinal canal do not form or close normally. A myelomeningocele is the most serious form of spina bifida.

Can a child with spina bifida go to school?

Many children with spina bifida do well in school. But some can experience difficulties, especially children with shunts that are used to treat hydrocephalus (often called water on the brain). These children often have problems with learning.

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

The prognosis for survival was strikingly poor in those with the most extensive neurological deficit. Only 17% (7/42) of those born with a high sensory level (above T11) survived to the mean age of 40 years, compared with 61% (23/38) of those with a low sensory level (below L3; p=0.001).

Can spina bifida be passed down?

Most cases of spina bifida are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. A small percentage of cases have been reported to run in families; however, the condition does not have a clear pattern of inheritance.

Does spina bifida shorten life span?

Generally, medical professionals state that about 90% of patients with SB will live past their third decade of life. However this number has increased over the years because of improvements in medical technology so it has increased the life expectancy of patients born with spina bifida.

What are the chances of getting spina bifida?

Spina bifida is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. After having one child with the condition, or if a parent has the condition, there is a 4% chance the next child will also be affected.

What is the most serious form of spina bifida?

Myelomeningocele: This is the most serious type of spina bifida. When parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine, it causes myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele also causes nerve damage and other disabilities.

What is the difference between spina bifida and anencephaly?

In spina bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn’t close completely . There is usually nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs. In anencephaly, most of the brain and skull do not develop. Babies with anencephaly are usually either stillborn or die shortly after birth.

Is spina bifida life threatening?

Meningitis: There is a higher risk of meningitis among people with spina bifida. This can be life-threatening. Other problems: In time, the individual may experience skin problems, gastrointestinal problems, latex allergies, and depression. Skin can be more easily damaged if the person lacks sensation in the legs.