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Name |
Spina Bifida |
|---|---|
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Related to/Also known as |
Spinal Dysraphism |
|
Description |
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. |
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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 CSF (cerebro-spinal fluid) in the brain, and many people with Spina Bifida have Hydrocephalus. See under Hydrocephalus for more information. |
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Useful National contacts |
Shine (formerly ASBAH, Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) |
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Useful local contacts (Merseyside) |
Shine (formerly ASBAH) - Angela Lansley Shine Northern Region |
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Our resources |
The library at Neurosupport has a range of reference resources on this condition and on a wide range of disability related issues. |
