SPINA BIFIDA

Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. It's a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the structure in a developing embryo that eventually becomes the baby's brain, spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them.

Symptoms of Spina Bifida

• Weak leg muscles (in some cases, the infant can’t move them at all)
• Unusually shaped feet, uneven hips, or a curved spine (scoliosis)
• Seizures
• Bowel or bladder problems                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Causes of Spina Bifida

No one knows for sure what causes spina bifida. Scientists think it may be a combination of the environment and family history, or a lack of folic acid (a type of vitamin B) in the mother's body.

An occupational therapist will assess how your child uses motor and process skills (e.g. attention, planning, organizational skills) to carry out every day occupations. The OT will identify what your child’s strengths and areas of needs are and provide advice on how they can improve their performance in everyday activities. The OT may suggest alternative ways of doing things, providing advice on learning new approaches and techniques, or making changes to the environment, for example, through using equipment or adaptations. OTs will support you and other relevant people such as teachers, to evaluate your child’s challenges and strengths to help them to do those occupations that are important to you and your child. 

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021

  Tel. (516) 829-0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420-2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367-1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243-0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005   Tel. (516) 344-0030

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224-8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992-2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580-0125

Sources:https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/spina-bifida
https://spinab.ie/about-us/occupational-therapy/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spina-bifida/symptoms-causes/syc-20377860

Links: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.