Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida is a congenital disability when the spinal cord, comprised of nerves and fluid, doesn’t form correctly during pregnancy and presents outside a child’s body. It is the second most treated condition at CURE Uganda.
There is a large spectrum of spina bifida cases, from a minor scar to a large protuberant sac at the base of the spine. The more severe spina bifida cases can cause a lack of bladder control, leg paralysis, walking or mobility problems, orthopedic complications, and hydrocephalus. The condition can be life-threatening due to the exposed spinal nerves, leaving the baby vulnerable to infections like meningitis and encephalitis.
Maternal folate supplementation is an essential preventative measure. This condition is commonly seen in countries where CURE serves. CURE Uganda surgically cares for 300 children every year with spina bifida.
- 1 in every 1,000 babies is born with spina bifida worldwide.1
- 80% of those children come from low- and middle-income countries.
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073251/
If Not Treated
If Not Treated
Without medical intervention, babies born with spina bifida are at high risk for infection, injury, and even death.
Children with disabilities often experience stigma and discrimination, leading to poor self-confidence and isolation.
Treatment
Treatment
The primary treatment method for spina bifida in infants is surgery to remove the sac on the baby’s back while carefully closing the skin over the top to seal the spinal cord. Hydrocephalus often develops, needing further surgery.
Before
Children like Miracle rely on the support and generosity of people like you to receive surgery and comprehensive care offered at CURE hospitals.
We treat Spina Bifida at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda.
After
Children like Miracle rely on the support and generosity of people like you to receive surgery and comprehensive care offered at CURE hospitals.
We treat Spina Bifida at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda.
