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Today, 22 November 2009

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Yesterday, 21 November 2009

› SACP attacks Malema

› Match-fixing stuns Europe

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› Henry offers replay

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Question

Please may I have some information about spina bifida?

Answer

Spina bifida describes incomplete closure of the spinal cord during development in the womb, which means that the child is born with the spinal cord open.

The severity varies from a completely closed type (occult spina bifida) with no symptoms, to a completely open type, which results in serious disability.

Spina bifida is often found in the lower part of the spine.

The degree of disability depends on which part of the spine is affected and how bad the defect is.

In most cases there is paralysis or weakness of the lower limbs, often with loss of bowel and bladder control as well.

Hydrocephalus, which is abnormal accumulation of fluid in the ventricles (spaces) in the brain, is often seen with spina bifida, which can lead to mental retardation in some cases.

In many cases the actual defect over the spine can be closed surgically, but there is no treatment which will cure the resulting disabilities.

Spina bifida is managed in much the same way as other spinal injuries with a combination of specialists from several disciplines combining to provide the best possible quality of life.

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