Can you walk if you have spina bifida?

People affected by spina bifida get around in different ways. These include walking without any aids or assistance; walking with braces, crutches or walkers; and using wheelchairs. People with spina bifida higher on the spine (near the head) might have paralyzed legs and use wheelchairs.

Can you live a normal life with spina bifida?

Because of today’s medicine, about 90% of babies born with Spina Bifida now live to be adults, about 80% have normal intelligence and about 75% play sports and do other fun activities.”

What is the main cause of spina bifida?

The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown. There is no cure but most people with spina bifida lead long and productive lives. Scientists suspect genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors all play a role in spina bifida. People with spina bifida have different abilities and medical issues.

Can spina bifida be corrected?

Currently, there is no cure for spina bifida, but there are a number of treatments available to help manage the disease and prevent complications. In some cases, if diagnosed before birth, the baby can undergo surgery while still in the womb in an effort to repair or minimize the spinal defect.

Is spina bifida painful?

Adults with Spina Bifida and specifically Spina Bifida Occulta often experience pain.

Is spina bifida a progressive disease?

Although spina bifida is usually present at birth, it occasionally is first seen during adolescence. The rapid growth during this time stretches the shortened nerves and may cause progressive weakness.

What are the 3 types of spina bifida?

The three most common types of spina bifida are:

  • Myelomeningocele (sounds like: my-low-ma-nin-jo-seal; hear how “myelomeningocele” sounds )
  • Meningocele (sounds like: ma-nin-jo-seal; hear how “meningocele” sounds )
  • Spina Bifida Occulta (sounds like: o-cult-tuh; hear how “occulta” sounds )

Can someone with spina bifida have a baby?

Spina bifida causes nerve damage that can affect sexual functioning. Most people with spina bifida are fertile, and can have children.

What are the chances of getting spina bifida?

Spina bifida is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. After having one child with the condition, or if a parent has the condition, there is a 4% chance the next child will also be affected.

When do you get diagnosed with spina bifida?

Spina bifida is often diagnosed during the mother’s pregnancy through ultrasound, amniocentesis, or the AFP test (maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test). Diagnosis often occurs by 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.

What’s spina bifida life expectancy?

Statistics on Spina Bifida. However, they required ongoing supportive care in order to thrive. Generally, medical professionals state that about 90% of individuals with this medical problem will live past their third decade of life.

What is the most serious form of spina bifida?

Myelomeningocele: This is the most serious type of spina bifida. When parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine, it causes myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele also causes nerve damage and other disabilities.