1. What is spina bifida? 🧠
Spina bifida is when a baby’s spine does not form properly before birth.
It can leave a gap in the bones of the spine.
2. What causes spina bifida? 🥦
We don’t know the exact cause.
It may be linked to:
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Low folic acid in pregnancy
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Family history
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Some medicines or illnesses in the mother
3. What are the symptoms? 🩼
Symptoms can include:
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Weak legs or no movement
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Problems with bladder or bowels
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Curved spine (scoliosis)
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Fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus)
4. What is spina bifida occulta? 🔍
The mildest type of spina bifida.
Often has no symptoms and is found by an X-ray or scan.
5. How is it treated? 🏥
Treatment can include:
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Surgery
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Physiotherapy
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Medicines
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Special equipment to help with walking or moving
6. Can adults have spina bifida? 👩🦽
Yes. Many people are born with it and live into adulthood.
7. Common symptoms 📋
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Weakness in legs
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Trouble controlling bladder or bowels
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Fluid on the brain
8. Causes ⚠️
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Low folic acid in pregnancy
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Family history
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Some medicines
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Some health problems in pregnancy
9. Treatments for adults 🧑⚕️
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Physiotherapy
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Occupational therapy
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Continence (toilet) support
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Pain relief
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Surgery if needed
10. Can it be prevented? 🌿
Sometimes.
Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy lowers the risk.
11. How is it diagnosed? 🩻
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Scan in pregnancy
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Blood tests
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Physical checks after birth
12. Long-term effects ⏳
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Trouble walking
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Toilet problems
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Learning difficulties
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Need for ongoing care
13. Can it be cured? ❌
No.
But treatment can help people live well.
14. Risk factors 📊
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Low folic acid
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Family history
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Mother’s health problems
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Being overweight before pregnancy
15. Complications 🛑
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Infections
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Sores from sitting too long
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Fluid on the brain
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Emotional challenges
16. Challenges for adults 💬
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Mobility problems
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Pain
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Work barriers
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Lifelong health care
17. How common is it? 🔢
In the U.S., about 1 in 2,700 babies are born with spina bifida.
18. Is it genetic? 🧬
Not always, but genes can increase risk.
19. Can it be fatal? ⚰️
Severe cases can be dangerous without treatment.
20. Can it be found before birth? 🤰
Yes — with pregnancy scans and tests.
21. Specialists who treat it 🩺
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Brain and spine surgeons (neurosurgeons)
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Bone doctors (orthopaedic surgeons)
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Bladder doctors (urologists)
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Physiotherapists
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Occupational therapists
22. Treatments for children 👶
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Surgery after birth
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Physiotherapy
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Mobility aids
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Extra help in school
23. Always noticeable at birth? 👀
No.
Mild types may only be found in later life.
24. Outlook 🌈
Many people live full lives with the right support.
25. Can it cause paralysis? 🦽
Yes, sometimes below the area of the spine affected.
26. Helpful equipment 🛠️
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Wheelchairs
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Crutches
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Braces
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Standing frames
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Urinary catheters
27. Types of spina bifida 📚
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Occulta – mild, hidden
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Meningocele – fluid sac, spinal cord not inside
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Myelomeningocele – most severe, spinal cord in sac
28. Can it cause toilet problems? 🚽
Yes. Nerve damage often affects bladder and bowel control.
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