www.disabilityart.comSpina Bifida
Spina Bifida is the most common congenital spinal defect. Spina Bifida is caused by failure of the neural arch of the vertebra to properly develop and enclose the spinal cord. This usually occurs between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy.
TYPES OF SPINA BIFIDA
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Myelomeningocele: Most severe type of Spina Bifida. Spinal cord, nerve roots and lining (meninges) protrude out into a sac from an opening in the spine. |
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Meningocele: The spinal cord lining protrudes out into a sac, but the spinal cord and nerves are not displaced. |
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Oculta: The least severe type. Vertebral arches fail to fuse, but there is no protrusion of the spinal cord lining or the spinal cord itself. This type does not cause paralysis or muscle weakness and usually is not diagnosed unless an x-ray is taken. |
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Myelomeningocele and Meningocele require surgical correction. |
MEDICAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SPINA BIFIDA
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Hydrocephalus: Increased cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. This condition is surgically corrected by placing a shunt into the ventricles of the brain to drain excess fluid. |
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Neurological Impairments: Range from mild muscle imbalance to sensory loss in the lower limbs to paralysis of one or both legs to lack of control of bowels and bladder. |
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Skin Breakdown/Lesions: Due to lack of sensation in the lower limbs, it is critical to continuously check the individual for skin problems. |
TEACHING TIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINA BIFIDA
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Develop activities that utilize the head, trunk, shoulders, arms and hands. |
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Develop activities that encourage pushing, pulling and lifting (i.e., scooterboards, parachutes, hanging and climbing, and weight training). |
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Avoid activities that could displace a shunt or put pressure on the sensitive areas of the spine. |
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Encourage walking whenever possible. |
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Teach functional movement skills. |
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Develop stretching exercises to improve flexibility and to achieve full range of motion. |
Links
Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
Spina Bifida Association of America
Wheelchairs, Mobility, Spina Bifida
Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained. Developed by Texas Woman's University Graduate Adapted Physical Education Program in cooperation with Denton ISD (French, 1997).