Spina Bifida Awareness Ribbon Exchangeable uploaded by spinabifidagirl Born: 2016-11-24 04:18:25 |
Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect (NTD) which occurs within the first four weeks of pregnancy. The spinal column fails to develop properly resulting in varying degrees of permanent damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Infants born with spina bifida may have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord occurs. Although the spinal opening is surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent. This results in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs, depending largely on the location and severity of the lesion. Even with no visible lesion, there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae, and accompanying nerve damage. What causes spina bifida? There is no single known cause of spina bifida. Researchers are studying the effects of heredity, nutrition, environment and pollution, which could lead to physical damage to the fetus. How is spina bifida treated? Treatment involves |