| Name | Spina Bifida |
| Related to/Also known as | Spinal Dysraphism Hydrocephalus |
| Symptoms of Spina Bifida |
Spina Bifida (split spine) is a fault in the spinal column, in which one or more of the vertebrae fail to form properly, thereby leaving a gap. It occurs early in pregnancy and is therefore present at birth. |
| Types |
Spina Bifida Occulta is a very mild form, which may only be evident as dimpling of the skin or a hairy patch. Spina Bifida Cystica is a form where a sac or cyst is visible on the back. If the sac contains nerves and part of the spinal cord, it is known as a Myelomeningocele and will result in some degree of paralysis and disability. If it contains tissue and cerebro-spinal fluid, it is called a Meningocoele and is unlikely to cause disability. Hydrocephalus is a build-up of C.S.F. (cerebro-spinal fluid) in the brain, and many people with Spina Bifida have Hydrocephalus. |
| Useful national contacts |
Shine Scottish Spina Bifida Association |
| Children & young people |
Advice for parents (Shine)
Preparing for adult life (Contact, charity for families with disabled children) |
| Online resources |
Covid 19 (Coronavirus) - Information for Shine Members (Shine) Spina bifida (NHS Choices) Spina bifida (Contact, charity for families with disabled children) |
| Our resources | The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on Spina Bifida and on a wide range of disability-related issues.
|
www.shinecharity.org.uk
