Spina Bifida Research Paper

Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect in the United States.1 It is estimated that between 1500 and 2000 children are born with spina bifida each year in the United States, with the current number of spina bifida cases totaling 166,000.1 There are four types of spina bifida: occulta, closed neural tube defects, meningocele, and myelomeningocele.1 Spina bifida occulta is where one more vertebras are malformed and covered by skin.1 In individuals with a closed neural tube defects, the spinal cord has malformations of fat, bone, and meninges.1 Spina bifida meningocele occurs when spinal fluid and meninges protrude through an abnormal vertebral opening.1 This type of spina bifida does not have any neural contents in the vertebral opening.1 Depending on the patient, the vertebral opening may or may not be covered by skin.1 A person with meningocele may have very few symptoms, or may experience several severe symptoms.1 The final type is myelomeningocele; the
Osteoporosis occurs earlier in the spina bifida population and typically affects 50% of individuals with this pathology.4 Individuals are at in increased risk of developing osteoporosis if they: are female, lack mobility, use epilepsy medication and corticosteroids, have renal failure, and have a family history of osteoporosis.4 Individuals are encouraged to participate regularly in weight bearing exercises.4 It is important for an individual who is wheelchair bound to bear weight through their wrists to help with mobility and transfers.4 Individuals should incorporate plenty of calcium and vitamin D into their diets, avoid smoking, and limit caffeine and alcoholic beverages to minimize the risk of damaging their