Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Chicana and Chicano StudiesLatino Health Issues

Is There a Cure?

WHAT IS SPINA BIFIDA?
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SPINA BIFIDA?
FACTS ABOUT SPINA BIFIDA
 
 

Surgery is the only cure for Spina Bifida, before the baby is born (prenatal) or after the baby is born (postnatal).

For the form of Spina Bifida, Myelomeningcele, surgery is needed 24 to 48 hours after birth and doctors surgically tuck exposed nerves and spinal cord back inside the spinal canal and cover them with muscle and skin.

Although surgery may fix the outside or the look of the infant's back, nerve damage that already occurred will not be changed or fixed and permanent disabilities are still problematic.

For more information on prenatal or postnatal surgery 1-866-ASK-MOMS (275-6667)

 

Accessibility | Privacy | ASU Disclaimer This site was created by Erika Paulus in fulfillment of requirements for the course CSS 335: Latino Health Issues taught by Dr. Szkupinski Quiroga at Arizona State University, Spring 2005.