$Unique_ID{BRK01587}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue, Resources}
$Title{Information About "Spina Bifida"}
$Subject{spina bifida}
$Volume{M-1, R-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Information About "Spina Bifida"


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QUESTION:  I have learned from my daughter that our new grandchild, a baby
boy, has a condition called "spina bifida".  She assures me that all will be
fine, but I am so very worried about this.  Would you please give this anxious
grandmother some information about this condition?

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ANSWER:  I can understand your predicament, as well as that of your daughter.
I am sure she has things well in hand and certainly does not want to worry you
unnecessarily.  But since the fear of the unknown can often magnify concerns
beyond all measure, I am happy to provide some information for you.
Obviously, spina bifid is a congenital defect.  It affects the spine (or
backbone), which does not fully close during the prenatal period, and leaves
the spinal cord (made of nervous fibers) unprotected.  It is not uncommon,
with about 1 baby in 2000 affected with spina bifida.  There are three forms
of the condition, ranging from very slight to very severe.  In the least
severe situation the defect may only be detected on an x-ray, and causes no
problems for the child.  In other cases, a lump or cyst is seen protruding
through the skin.  This usually contains a part of the spinal cord.  Surgical
repair can put things back to normal and allow the child to grow normally.  In
the severe type, there is little tissue to protect the important nerves in the
spinal column.  These nerves may be injured and cause paralysis in the legs.
Many children with severe spina bifida also have water on the brain, a
condition known as "hydrocephalus".  The cause of spina bifida is still
unknown, although it does appear to run in families.  It is more frequent in
Ireland and Wales and less common among Jewish people in Israel.
     Please accept this answer as just general information.  You can obtain
more precise information on this subject by contacting the March of Dimes
Birth Defects Foundation, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605.
However, the only way you can find out the exact status of your grandchild is
to have a heart to heart with your daughter.  I suspect she could use your
support about now.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
