• Children with Spina Bifida
  Children with Spina Bifida: A Resource Page for Parents & Professionals
  
  
• Information On Spina Bifida
  Spina bifida is the most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect. It affects approximately one out of every 1,000 newborns in the United States. More children have spina bifida than have muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined. Spina bifida, the most common neural tube defect (NTD), is one of the most devastating of all birth defects. It results from the failure of the spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. In severe cases, the spinal cord protrudes through the back and may be covered by skin or a thin membrane. Surgery to close a newborn's back is generally performed within 24 hours after birth to minimize the risk of infection and to preserve existing function in the spinal cord.
  
  
• Living with Spinal Bifida
  A site for families of spinal bifida children.
  
  
• SBH Queensland
  The target group for the SBH Queensland is people who have spina bifida, hydrocephalus, other neural tube defects and their families and carers.
  
  
• Spina Bifada-Facts
  Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects that involve incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or protective coverings for these organs. There are 3 types of NTDs: anencephaly, encephalocele, and spina bifida.
  
  
• Spina Bifida
  Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect that is the most frequently occurring, permanently disabling birth defect. SB occurs from the failure of the fetus’ spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy.
  
  
• Spina Bifida
  Spina Bifida is a congenital deformity that usually begins between the fourth and sixth weeks of pregnancy. It is characterized by a defective closure in the vertebral column, of varying severity. There are two primary types of spina bifida: Spina Bifida Occulta is the milder form in which the defective closure is beneath a layer of skin. It occurs when one or more of the vertebrae of the spine fail to fuse properly. There are generally no associated functional limitations. Spina Bifida Manifesta has two common forms. In the rare but milder form, a skin-filled sac containing cerebral spinal fluid and nerve roots appears in the lower back. The most common and severe form is characterized by a failure of the spinal cord to form a tube and a portion of the undeveloped cord protrudes through the back. The cord forms a sac around it containing cerebrospinal fluid which may be covered by skin or simply by tissue and exposed nerves.
  
  
• Spina Bifida / Myelodysplasia Index
  Links to information about spina bifida, myelodysplasia, tethered spinal cord, spinal lipomas, myeloschisis, split cord malformation, and diastematomyelia.
  
  
• Spina Bifida Association of Delaware
  The Spina Bifida Association of Delaware is a NON-PROFIT Organization.
  
  
• Spina Bifida Pediatric Neurosugery
  Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects compatible with life. Technically it means an open spinal column, but has come to specifically relate to those instances when not only is the spinal column open, but the spinal cord is incompletely formed and is exposed to the air, the aperta form. The much more common form is the closed or occulta f orm which is probably of little significance and seen widely in the population, The spinal cord forms in the first few weeks of gestation. In addition to genetic and environmental associations, it is felt that folate deficiency may be an underlying factor in its development. Besides the failure of the spinal cord to form and close properly, other defects can occur in the development of the nervous system. These include hydrocephalus, syringohydromyelia and Chiari malformations. In addition there are poten tial disturbances with the bowel and bladder function, both extremity and spine related problems and respiratory and swallowing difficulties. These problems a
  
  
• Spinal Bifida Fact Sheet
  Spina Bifida means cleft spine, which is an incomplete closure in the spinal column. In general, the three types of spina bifida (from mild to severe) are: 1. Spina Bifida Occulta: There is an opening in one or more of the vertebrae (bones) of the spinal column without apparent damage to the spinal cord. 2. Meningocele: The meninges, or protective covering around the spinal cord, has pushed out through the opening in the vertebrae in a sac called the "meningocele." However, the spinal cord remains intact. This form can be repaired with little or no damage to the nerve pathways. 3. Myelomeningocele: This is the most severe form of spina bifida, in which a portion of the spinal cord itself protrudes through the back. In some cases, sacs are covered with skin; in others, tissue and nerves are exposed. Generally, people use the terms "spina bifida" and "myelomeningocele" interchangeably.
  
  
• Spinal Bifida Learning Issue
  Links to Spinal Bifida Knowledge sources.
  
  
• Spinal Bifida Organizations
  Links to Spinal Bifida Organizations
  
  
• Spinal Bifida Web Forum
  This is a webforum to discuss and comment on Spina Bifida.
  
  
• The Spina Bifida Information Center
  At The Spina Bifida Information Center, people with Spina Bifida from around the world can find information and resources pertaining to Spina Bifida, meet new people, share their stories, share advice and most of all just have a good time.
  
  
• Understanding Spina Bifida
  Spina bifida ("open spine") is a birth condition characterized by an incomplete closure of the spine. Children born with spina bifida may have varying degrees of muscle paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, loss of skin sensation and spine and limb problems.
  
  

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