Readers ask: Nassau Countu Dctors Who Treat Adults With Spina Bifida?

How is spina bifida treated in adults?

When spina bifida occulta causes no symptoms, it requires no treatment. When it causes tethered cord, surgery to release the tether is sometimes recommended. In general, for any type of tether surgery, the bones of the spinal column are opened from behind to expose the full extent of the spinal cord tethering.

What is the average life expectancy of a person with spina bifida?

Not so long ago, spina bifida was considered a pediatric illness, and patients would simply continue to see their pediatric physicians into adulthood. The average life span for an individual with the condition was 30 to 40 years, with renal failure as the most typical cause of death.

Who works with spina bifida patients?

Depending on age and individual needs, the team of experts may include pediatric or adult specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, urology, orthopedic surgery, radiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, clinical genomics, maternal and fetal medicine, pediatric surgery, and others.

Is Spina Bifida a disability?

Spina bifida is a disease that affects children and can be very disabling. If your child has spina bifida, he or she may qualify for SSI disability benefits by applying through Social Security.

Can spina bifida be corrected?

Treatment. 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.

Can you live a long life with spina bifida?

The death rate from age 5 to 40 years in people with treated open spina bifida is 10 times the national average. Many deaths are sudden and unexpected. Survival to age 40 can be predicted from the neurological deficit at birth.

What is the main cause of spina bifida?

Doctors aren’t certain what causes spina bifida. It’s thought to result from a combination of genetic, nutritional and environmental risk factors, such as a family history of neural tube defects and folate (vitamin B-9) deficiency.

Does spina bifida affect the brain?

Many babies born with spina bifida get hydrocephalus (often called water on the brain ). This means that there is extra fluid in and around the brain. The extra fluid can cause the spaces in the brain, called ventricles, to become too large and the head can swell.

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 spina bifida occulta cause problems later in life?

The spinal cord and the nerves usually are normal. Many times, Spina Bifida Occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood. This type of spina bifida usually does not cause any disabilities. There are forms of Spina Bifida Occulta that do cause problems.

How does spina bifida affect adults?

Individuals born with spina bifida ( myelomeningocele ) face serious physical and social consequences, including paralysis, insensate skin, and potential social ostracism associated with loss of bowel and bladder control. Over time, muscle paralysis can produce contractures, joint dislocations, and spinal deformity.

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.

Who is most at risk for spina bifida?

obesity – women who are obese (have a body mass index of 30 or more ) are more likely to have a child with spina bifida than those of average weight. diabetes – women with diabetes may have an increased risk of having a child with spina bifida.

Is Spina Bifida painful?

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

Does spina bifida cause paralysis?

Most children with spina bifida have some degree of weakness or paralysis in their lower limbs. They may need to use ankle supports or crutches to help them move around. If they have severe paralysis, they’ll need a wheelchair. Paralysis can also cause other, associated problems.