What is Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida or "open spine" is a neural tube birth defect that affects the development of the spinal cord, its membrane (lining), the spinal nerves and the backbone.

Spina bifida affects three in 10,000 births in the United States and currently an estimated 130,000 people in the United States are currently living with spina bifida; in Georgia, there are 1,800 children and adults with spina bifida.

There are 60 million women at risk of having a baby born with spina bifida. Everyday, an average of eight babies are affected by spina bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. Each year, about 3,000 pregnancies are affected by these birth defects.

Every unborn infant's spine is open when it first forms, but normally closes during the first month following conception. In spina bifida, the backbone never properly closes. Forms of spina bifida range from having no open portion of the spine and no nerve damage to an extrusion of the spinal meninges poking through the back with resulting minor disabilities through severe disabilities with nerve damage.

Major personal issues for individuals with spina bifida include mobility (requiring the use of crutches or wheelchairs) and bowel and bladder control. While individuals with spina bifida may have other medical problems, such as hydrocephalus, many are also challenged with psychosocial problems and learning disabilities.

The life expectancy for this population has changed from adolescence in the 60's to a normal life expectancy today.

Family Support

The SVF helps Spina Bifida Families by providing medical, physical, and emotional support where needed. We are a community of people who come together to talk and listen, educate and learn, and find solutions to everyday issues.