What is Spina Bifida? Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the spine and spinal cord. It happens when the spinal column does not close all the way during the first months of pregnancy. There are three main types of spina bifida: Myelomeningocele - the most severe form where the spinal canal is open along several vertebrae Meningocele - the protective membranes around the spinal cord push out through an opening in the vertebrae Spina bifida occulta - a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back Doctors aren't sure exactly what causes spina bifida. They think genes and the environment play a role. Getting enough folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent spina bifida. Living with Spina Bifida. Many people with spina bifida live full, active lives. Mobility aids like braces, crutches, or wheelchairs can help with walking. Physical therapy builds strength and coordination. Bladder and bowel problems are common in people with spina bifida. Catheters can help empty the bladder. Fiber in the diet and regular toilet routines promote bowel control. Some people with spina bifida have hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain. A hollow tube called a shunt drains the extra fluid. This prevents brain damage. Shunts need lifelong monitoring and sometimes replacement. Staying Healthy. People with spina bifida need regular checkups to stay healthy. This includes seeing specialists for the brain, bones, bladder, and more. Preventing latex allergy is important. Many medical items...

Spina bifida: Support, management, emotional care, and research for future treatments and a cure.

Resilience in the Face of Spina Bifida

What is Spina Bifida? Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the spine and spinal cord. It happens when the spinal column does not close all the way during the first months of pregnancy. There are three main types of spina bifida:  Myelomeningocele - the most severe form where the spinal canal is open along several vertebrae Meningocele - the protective membranes around the spinal cord push out through an opening in the vertebrae Spina bifida occulta - a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back  Doctors aren't sure exactly what causes spina bifida. They think genes and the environment play a role. Getting enough folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent spina bifida. Living with Spina Bifida. Many people with spina bifida live full, active lives. Mobility aids like braces, crutches, or wheelchairs can help with walking. Physical therapy builds strength and coordination. Bladder and bowel problems are common in people with spina bifida. Catheters can help empty the bladder. Fiber in the diet and regular toilet routines promote bowel control. Some people with spina bifida have hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain. A hollow tube called a shunt drains the extra fluid. This prevents brain damage. Shunts need lifelong monitoring and sometimes replacement. Staying Healthy. People with spina bifida need regular checkups to stay healthy. This includes seeing specialists for the brain, bones, bladder, and more. Preventing latex allergy is important. Many medical items...

Understanding Congenital Heart Diseases: Prevention, Treatment, and Care for Special Needs Individuals. Heart health is at the core of our overall wellbeing, requiring a nuanced understanding of its complexities, especially for individuals with special needs. Cardiology, the science that dissects the secrets of the heart, provides vital insights that can catalyze the development of innovative treatment methodologies and care techniques for congenital heart diseases. The realm of special needs is diverse, encompassing individuals with a wide range of abilities and health concerns. When it comes to cardiac conditions, the field is no less broad, encompassing various forms of congenital heart diseases. These health anomalies are present at birth, affecting the structure and function of an individual's heart. Congenital Heart Diseases The World Health Organization reports that congenital anomalies affect approximately 3% of all newborns worldwide. Congenital heart diseases encompass a spectrum of conditions, including defects in the heart's structure, electrical system malfunctions, and even conditions that affect the efficiency of the heart muscles. Understanding the prevention, treatment, and care for these diseases demands a deep dive into the latest advancements in cardiology. The discipline is consistently evolving, providing new revelations that can significantly impact the lives of special needs individuals who grapple with these conditions. Prevention of Congenital Heart Diseases The prevention of congenital heart diseases begins prenatally. Expectant mothers are advised to undergo routine prenatal screening to identify any congenital anomalies that might be present in the fetus. Folic acid supplements are often recommended to...

Cardiology Revelations: Tackling Congenital Heart Diseases in Special Needs

Understanding Congenital Heart Diseases: Prevention, Treatment, and Care for Special Needs Individuals. Heart health is at the core of our overall wellbeing, requiring a nuanced understanding of its complexities, especially for individuals with special needs. Cardiology, the science that dissects the secrets of the heart, provides vital insights that can catalyze the development of innovative treatment methodologies and care techniques for congenital heart diseases. The realm of special needs is diverse, encompassing individuals with a wide range of abilities and health concerns. When it comes to cardiac conditions, the field is no less broad, encompassing various forms of congenital heart diseases. These health anomalies are present at birth, affecting the structure and function of an individual's heart.  Congenital Heart Diseases  The World Health Organization reports that congenital anomalies affect approximately 3% of all newborns worldwide. Congenital heart diseases encompass a spectrum of conditions, including defects in the heart's structure, electrical system malfunctions, and even conditions that affect the efficiency of the heart muscles. Understanding the prevention, treatment, and care for these diseases demands a deep dive into the latest advancements in cardiology. The discipline is consistently evolving, providing new revelations that can significantly impact the lives of special needs individuals who grapple with these conditions.  Prevention of Congenital Heart Diseases  The prevention of congenital heart diseases begins prenatally. Expectant mothers are advised to undergo routine prenatal screening to identify any congenital anomalies that might be present in the fetus. Folic acid supplements are often recommended to...

Hungry during pregnancy? Try a bowl of cereal. A new research study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that women who consumed at least 600 micrograms of folic acid daily had a 38 percent lower risk of having a child on the autism spectrum. Folic acid, which is a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate, is an addition to many breakfast cereals and other foods containing grains. First added in 1998 in the United States, folic acid deficiencies in pregnant women was linked to brain and spine birth defects. Folate is an important vitamin for early brain development, as it helps the brain establish those connections and basic functions. Folate deficiency might be linked to mental retardation and developmental disabilities because of its assistance with brain development in early life. Some researchers hypothesize that too much folic acid during pregnancy actually increases the risk of autism. The researchers of this study investigated the folic acid intake of mothers of 429 preschoolers with autism and 278 neurotypical preschoolers. The findings show that mothers of children without autism had an increased intake of folic acid through fortified foods. Of the mothers of children without autism, 69 percent of them received the recommended daily amount of 600 micrograms, and these mothers got an average of 779 micrograms of folic acid each day. These numbers compared to mothers of children with autism, who averaged 655 micrograms per day; only 54...

Study suggests 600+ mcg folic acid daily may lower autism risk by 38%, but more research is needed for conclusive evidence.

Can You Prevent Autism with Folic Acid?

 Hungry during pregnancy? Try a bowl of cereal. A new research study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that women who consumed at least 600 micrograms of folic acid daily had a 38 percent lower risk of having a child on the autism spectrum.   Folic acid, which is a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate, is an addition to many breakfast cereals and other foods containing grains. First added in 1998 in the United States, folic acid deficiencies in pregnant women was linked to brain and spine birth defects.   Folate is an important vitamin for early brain development, as it helps the brain establish those connections and basic functions. Folate deficiency might be linked to mental retardation and developmental disabilities because of its assistance with brain development in early life.   Some researchers hypothesize that too much folic acid during pregnancy actually increases the risk of autism. The researchers of this study investigated the folic acid intake of mothers of 429 preschoolers with autism and 278 neurotypical preschoolers. The findings show that mothers of children without autism had an increased intake of folic acid through fortified foods.    Of the mothers of children without autism, 69 percent of them received the recommended daily amount of 600 micrograms, and these mothers got an average of 779 micrograms of folic acid each day. These numbers compared to mothers of children with autism, who averaged 655 micrograms per day; only 54...

Study suggests 600+ mcg folic acid daily may lower autism risk by 38%, but more research is needed for conclusive evidence.

Can You Prevent Autism with Folic Acid?

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Special Needs
Articles

Resilience in the Face of Spina Bifida

Cardiology Revelations: Tackling Congenital Heart Diseases in Special Needs

Can You Prevent Autism with Folic Acid?

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

Resilience in the Face of Spina Bifida

Cardiology Revelations: Tackling Congenital Heart Diseases in Special Needs

Can You Prevent Autism with Folic Acid?

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles