Spina bifida affects about one out of every 1,000 children born in the country. It may cause varying degrees of paralysis, loss of sensation in lower extremities, bowel and bladder incontinence and - in about 80 percent of patients - the accumulation of fluid in the brain. The term actually means "split spine" and refers to the vertebrae or bones of the spinal cord that do not close as they should.

For children diagnosed with spina bifida, we provide a full-day clinic. The clinic brings together physicians and related staff who treat spina bifida patients, including pediatric specialists in neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, genetics, radiology, social services, nutrition and rehabilitation. Through this multi-disciplinary approach, children are able to receive the care they need in a convenient one-visit setting.

For more information about the spina bifida services at Le Bonheur, ask your pediatrician or call the Spina Bifida Clinic at 901.287.5016.

Looking to connect with other spina bifida patients and their families?
The Spina Bifida Community of Memphis (http://www.sbmemphis.com) is a new
web-based support group, primarily geared toward parents and guardians of
children with a myelomeningocele (the most severe form of spina bifida).
We also welcome the unique perspective of teens and young adults living
with spina bifida. The site aspires to help parents "locate resources,
find support, be informed".