What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida is a birth disorder that involves the incomplete development of the spine. In the first month of pregnancy, a special set of cells forms the neural tube; the top of the tube becomes the brain and the remainder becomes the spinal cord and structures around it. In Spina Bifida, the neural tube and some of the bones of the spine do not close completely. This can result in an opening anywhere along the spine and may cause damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Each year there are approximately 1,300 babies born with Spina Bifida in the United States.
Commonly referred to as the “snowflake condition” of birth defects because no two cases are the same, Spina Bifida can range from mild to severe. It is estimated that there are 125,000 people, ages 0-80, living with Spina Bifida in the United States.
For more information about Spina Bifida you can visit:
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U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
This site has a fact based overview of Spina Bifida, living with Spina Bifida at any age, and personal stories from people affected by Spina Bifida.
For Spina Bifida families in Kentucky and Southern Indiana
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