Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida is one of the more common birth defects that occurs when the tissue surrounding the developing spinal cord of a foetus doesn't close properly. It is one of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects, which affect the embryonic structure that eventually develops into the baby's brain, spinal cord and tissues that enclose them. Treatment may involve surgery, but it depends on the severity of the condition.

Follow the links below to find information about spina bifida.

Reviewed June 2007

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Folate
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information on the benefits of folate (folic acid), especially for women of childbearing age and their babies.

12 Resources Found
Results 1 to 12 displayed.

Title:   Folic acid and pregnancy
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Taking folic acid before pregnancy and for the first three months of pregnancy can reduce your chances of having a baby with spina bifida.
Date:   Jul 2008

Title:   Disability facts and figures
Publisher:   Novita Children's Services
Description:   This page provides basic information about disabilities that occur most commonly for clients registered for services with Novita.
Date:   Dec 2007

Title:   Spina bifida explained
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Spina bifida is one of a class of birth defects, called neural tube defects. These defects involve damage to the spine and spinal cord. Some vertebrae of the spine don't close properly during pregnancy and the spinal cord's nerves are exposed and damaged. At birth, they protrude through the gap instead of growing down the spinal column.
Date:   Oct 2007

Title:   Spinal cord tethering
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   In spina bifida the spinal cord is almost always tethered or stuck to the spinal canal.
Date:   Sep 2007

Title:   Spina bifida: skin sensation
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   If a child with spina bifida has some loss of movement, there will be loss of skin sensation too.
Date:   Sep 2007

Title:   Spina bifida: mobility
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   While some people with spina bifida have limited movement, others are able to move virtually normally.
Date:   Sep 2007

Title:   Spina bifida: latex allergy
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Many people with spina bifida are allergic to latex, which is a form of rubber.
Date:   Sep 2007

Title:   Continence in spina bifida: bladder and bowel
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Issues surrounding continence are a concern for many people with spina bifida.
Date:   Sep 2007

Title:   Arnold Chiari malformation
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   The Arnold Chiari malformation involves the brainstem and occurs in almost all children who have spina bifida.
Date:   Sep 2007

Title:   Folic acid and your pregnancy
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Folate is used within the body for cell regeneration and growth and is needed in increased levels by pregnant women.
Date:   Jul 2006

Title:   Latex allergy for HPs
Publisher:   Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
Description:   Latex allergy has become an important health concern in recent years especially in the occupational setting with health care workers. While specific treatment is not available, awareness of the problem and avoidance in sensitised individuals are important cornerstones of management.

Title:   Trends in neural tube defects in Australia
Publisher:   Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
Description:   This report aims to assess aspects of the quality of national data relating to the incidence of neural tube defects and to make recommendations about improving data systems to ensure that effective monitoring of trends in neural tube defects is possible.
Date:   Jan 2001
Results 1 to 12 displayed.