What to Know About Spina Bifida Awareness Month
October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time to educate the public about the condition and show support for the hundreds of thousands of people whose lives are affected by spina bifida every day.
Understanding Spina Bifida
It can often be determined if a baby has spina bifida before they are born, but sometimes the condition isn’t detected until later in life. Spina bifida happens because the neural tube, a part of a developing baby that eventually becomes the brain, spinal cord, and the bones around them, doesn’t form or close properly. When the neural tube doesn’t form properly, parts of the body controlled by the spinal cord and brain are impacted.
Causes and Risk Factors of Spina Bifida
The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Examples include:
- Genetic Factors: Family history of neural tube defects, which increases the likelihood of spina bifida in future pregnancies.
- Nutritional Factors: Vitamin B-9 (folic acid) deficiency before and during pregnancy.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain chemicals.
Research continues to explore factors, such as maternal health conditions and lifestyle choices, to better understand what causes spina bifida.
Types of Spina Bifida
The three most common types of spina bifida include:
- Spina bifida occulta: The least severe and most common form, spina bifida occulta can go unnoticed due to its mild symptoms.
- Meningocele: A sac of cerebrospinal fluid pushes through the spine, but the spinal cord stays in place.
- Myelomeningocele: The most severe type of spina bifida; the spinal cord and membranes protrude through an opening in the spine, causing nerve damage. Individuals with myelomeningocele are more likely to experience complications such as hydrocephalus, an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, and Chiari malformation, where part of the brain extends into the spinal canal.
Spina Bifida Symptoms and Effects on Daily Life
Given its impacts on the brain and spinal cord, people with spina bifida can have:
- Mobility Challenges: Some individuals may require the use of mobility aids.
- Incontinence: There may be issues with bowel and bladder control.
Neurological impairments, scoliosis, and loss of sensation can also be present depending on the type of spina bifida a person has.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spina Bifida
The following are common questions people have about spina bifida:
1. Can people with spina bifida walk?
Some individuals with spina bifida can walk unassisted. Others may use mobility aids like braces, crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair.
2. Can spina bifida be corrected?
Surgeries and therapies can mitigate the effects of spina bifida, but it cannot be cured.
3. Can you develop spina bifida later in life?
Spina bifida is a congenital condition, meaning it’s present from birth, so a person can’t develop it later in life. However, milder forms may not be detected until adulthood.
Why Is Spina Bifida Awareness Month Important?
Spina Bifida Awareness Month was established in 1973 by the Spina Bifida Association. The month, like many other disability awareness months, exists to spread awareness among the public about the diagnosis. Beyond spreading awareness, the month serves to educate, advocate, and support those affected by spina bifida.
How Can You Get Involved?
The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) is a great resource whether you’re looking to understand more about spina bifida or seeking community support.
- Virtual Educational Events: SBA provides educational resources designed to support those living with or affected by spina bifida. In-person and online programs feature medical experts, parents, and adults with spina bifida, with educational topics ranging from medical care and self-advocacy to independent living.
- Local Chapters and Community Involvement: SBA has a network of local chapters across the country, providing regional support and resources. These chapters host events, offer support groups, and create a sense of community for individuals and families affected by spina bifida.
- Walk-N-Roll Events: Throughout the year, SBA organizes Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida events. These family-friendly events raise money to support research, education, and advocacy initiatives related to spina bifida.
Disability awareness is a year-round effort, with multiple months dedicated to spreading awareness and understanding about various disabilities. In addition to Spina Bifida Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is also celebrated throughout the U.S. in October. March is dedicated to Developmental Disability Awareness, while December celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
You can learn more about disability awareness and disability rights in the related articles below.
