Spina Bifida is a common condition that strikes the U.S population today. It is a disabling birth defect that affects lots of children today. It is a kind of neural tube defect which involves the spinal cord and its coverings. It occurs when the spinal column of the fetal does not close completely in the first month of pregnancy. This cause nerve damage that may result to partial or complete paralysis in the legs. Most individuals that have Spina Bifida need assistive devices like wheelchair, crutches or braces. Aside from paralysis, patients may suffer urinary and bowel problems; learning disabilities and hydrocephalus.
Unfortunately there is no cure with this condition. What damage is done cannot be repaired anymore. Treatment is focus only in the complications that arise and treatment can include physiotherapy, medicine and surgery. Prevention is very important so that pregnant women or even those who are planning to should take folic acid for this can reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
With new medical and surgical interventions, children born with spina bifida can now lead an active and productive life. They can now go on to adulthood life just like any normal individual. Most of them have normal intelligence and are doing well in schools. Some of them are even involve in modified activities and sports. How these children progress to adulthood depends solely on the number of severity of abnormalities and its complications.
Of course challenges and threats to their lives are always present but proper management will allow them to live free from such complications. Some of the challenges that potentially face Spina Bifida patients are;
Latex Allergy
The first allergic reactions to natural rubber latex with spina bifida patients was reported year 1980 since then research and studies have been conducted and it shows that about 73% of individuals with spina bifida are found to be sensitive to latex as seen in their blood test or through their history of allergic reaction. Synthetic latex is not a threat since it is not made of natural rubber.
Allergic reaction to latex can include coughing and sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, hives or rash, wheezing, swelling of the windpipe, anaphylactic shock and difficulty breathing. Exposure to latex materials can happen when products made of rubber come in contact with the skin or any part of the body. Serious reactions can happen if latex can invade the bloodstream. The only way to avoid allergic reaction is to avoid any contact with materials containing latex ( American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology ).
Hydrocephalus and Shunts
Hydrocephalus is the build-up of fluid around the brain. This fluid is made of special brain cells which protect the spinal cord and brain but too much fluid can be too dangerous. Doctors can easily detect if there is too much fluid in the brain since there are signs to see but in some cases doctors don’t see it entirely since there are no symptoms at all.
Treatment for such condition involves the use of tube they call “shunt”. This tube is use to drain the fluid from the head to other place where the body can eliminate it naturally. These shunts have three parts which are ventricular catheter where it can reach the area that has too much fluid, a valve to control the flow and a tubing to carry the fluid to another place in the body. Thanks to this medical intervention, spina bifida patients are able to get free from serious complications of hydrocephalus.
Other challenges that adults with Spina Bifida will have to face are the possibility of depression and anxiety, Urologic care and obesity. These are just a few of the challenges that they may face. The important thing is there are medical interventions for each problem that arises.