1. By: Adrian B., Mitch O., Spencer W., and Trevor Z.

2.  Spina Bifida is a birth defect.  It occurs when the bones of the spine do not form properly around the baby’s spinal cord.  This disease can effect the skin on the back.  It usually occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when two sides of the embryo’s spine fail to join together.  In some cases the spinal cord or other membranes may push through the opening of the back.

3.  In mild cases of Spina Bifida, there wont be any symptoms at all, which makes it hard to diagnose.  People find out when they have it when they get spinal x- rays.  Symptoms of severe Spina Bifida:  Your legs are paralyzed  Skin may open with exposed nerves  Weakness in hips, legs, and feet of a newborn baby  Lack of bladder control  Loss of control of bowel movements  Fluid buildup in the skull  Hair at the rear inside of the pelvis  Dimpling in the sacral region

4. 1. Spina Bifida Occulta – the mildest form of this disease. People with this form never have any health problems, and the spinal cord is often unaffected. 2. Spina Bifida Meningocele-occurs when the membranes or protective tissues surrounding the spinal cord, known as meninges, are pushed out through vertebrae openings. 3. Myelomeningocele- the spinal column will be open along several vertebrae in a row, rather than just one or two. The spinal cord and its surrounding membranes may push out of the body to create a sac poking out of the baby’s back.

5.  When you have this disease you will be paralyzed and unable to walk.  A wheel chair is needed in order for you to around from place to place.  And you will be in a wheel chair for the rest of your life.

6.  There are no support groups for this disease in Michigan.  But there are in other states like Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and others.  All those locations are by the SBA (Spina Bifida Association)  Foundations for this disease are The Bo Hjelt foundation for Spina Bifida, The Dana Foundation, Sophie's Voice Foundation, and others are all for Spina Bifida.

7.  As of right now there are still no cures for Spina Bifida.  But there are Treatments for Spina Bifida including:  Surgery  Medication  And physiotherapy

8.  You are stuck with Spina Bifida for the rest of your life because of the fact that you are paralyzed and wont be able to move around without a wheel chair.

9.  You won’t be able to participate in a lot of activities that normal people would, and you will need assistance from family members to move you around from place to place.

10.  There are no financial aid for Spina Bifida.  But depending on your health insurance maybe they can provide therapy coverage or help pay off surgeries for Spina Bifida.

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