Pediatric Therapy For Spina Bifida

As a new parent, there are a number of different issues you and your child might face.

But sometimes, these issues can be diagnosed even before birth.

One of these is spina bifida.

Getting a diagnosis that your child will have a condition, especially before they’re born, can be overwhelming.

Finding a pediatric occupational therapy clinic and a pediatric physical therapy clinic can help.

Luckily, at here at Little Feet Pediatric Therapy, we offer both of these services.

Working with professionals who are familiar with spina bifida can help take some of the stress off new parents.

Having the right team in place to help treat this condition and the issues associated with it from an early age can help ease some of the pressure.

Keep reading to find out more about this condition, what causes it, and what can be done about it.

What Is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida is a condition where your child’s spinal cord doesn’t develop typically while in utero.

It’s the cause of a number of disabilities, both physical and cognitive.

Additionally, it’s closely linked to hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

There are three common types of spina bifida, which include:

• Spina bifida occulta: Occurs when there is an opening in at least one of the vertebrae
• Meningocele: Spinal fluid and nerve tissue push through the spinal column and form a visible pouch
• Myelomeningocele: A sac of fluid and nerve tissue form, resulting in nerve damage

What Causes Spina Bifida?

We currently don’t know what causes spina bifida.

But we do know of a number of factors which may increase the risk of development of spina bifida, including:

• Genetic factors (including a family history of neural tube defects)
• Environmental factors
• Nutritional issues, including folate (vitamin B9) deficiency
• Obesity or diabetes pre pregnancy
• Elevated body temperature in early weeks of pregnancy. This could be due to medical issues such as having a fever, or use of a hot tub or sauna
• Use of certain medications during pregnancy, including valproic acid, an anti seizure medication

How Do You Know If Your Child Has Spina Bifida?

While you’re pregnant, you can opt for screening to test for birth defects, including spina bifida.

It’s important to note these tests aren’t perfect, and can sometimes have false positive results.

Prenatal testing can include blood tests which are most common, as well as ultrasounds and amniocentesis.

Amniocentesis involves testing fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding the unborn infant.

If you’re considering amniocentesis, be sure to discuss the possible risks with your health care provider.

Once children are born, symptoms of spina bifida include:

• Dislocated joints
• Limited attention span and poor focus
• Language issues
• Poor fine motor skills development
• Poor gross motor skills development
• Memory issues
• Trouble with movement

Complications of spina bifida may include:

• Issues with mobility and walking
• Hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain)
• Meningitis (infection of brain tissue)
• Skin issues due to an inability to feel sores and blisters
• A latex allergy
• Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Poor social skills leading to depression
• Difficulty learning to write and read
• Developmental delays physically and mentally

Children with the myelomeningocele form of spina bifida can have orthopedic complications as well.

This is because of weakness of the muscles in their legs and back.

Some of these complications might include:

• Bone deformities
• Tightening and shortening of muscles
• Abnormal growth
• Scoliosis (curved spine)
• Hip dislocation

Physical Therapy For Kids With Spina Bifida

A physical therapist is a professional who helps evaluate and provide treatment for disorders related to the body.

This includes both the neurological system and illness affecting the musculoskeletal system.

If your child has spina bifida, your pediatric physical therapist can help them improve their mobility.

Treatment methods will differ depending on the age and life stage of the child, as well as their unique needs.

Generally, your child’s physical therapist will start with a pediatric therapy evaluation, which may include things like:

• Questions about their general health, such as injuries and vaccination history
• A physical exam to see how your child moves
• Tests for balance, flexibility, and strength
• Motor skills development tests
• History of birth and development, such as when they first rolled over, sat up, crawled, etc.
• Any other concerns you, as the parent or caregiver, may have

RELATED: Pediatric Therapists For Child With Poor Balance And Coordination

After, your pediatric physical therapist will create a treatment plan which may include a number of options to help your child.

Let’s look at some of them.

1. A Home Exercise Program

Home exercises take into account that family members, parents, and other caregivers are all part of your child’s health care team.

Your child’s physical therapist will design exercises you can used to continue your child’s care outside of the clinic setting.

The goal of these exercises is to improve your child’s ability to fully participate in activities both at home and at school.

Your pediatric physical therapist will keep track of your child’s progress and adjust exercises as required.

These exercises may include things like:

• Stretches
• Balance and strength exercises
• Treadmill training
• Gait training

2. Assistive Devices and Other Equipment

Use of assistive devices can help a child with spina bifida to move around independently and be better able to access their environment.

Assistive devices can include:

• Wheelchairs
• Standers
• Crutches
• Walkers
• Braces and orthotics

Your pediatric physical therapist can help fit your child with an assistive device uniquely suited to their needs, and help them learn to use it.

RELATED: How To Get A Wheelchair And Custom Orthotics Fitting For My Child

Occupational Therapy For Kids With Spina Bifida

In addition to a physical therapist, seeing an occupational therapist can also be helpful for kids with spina bifida.

Occupational therapists help with learning to perform the skills and tasks that allow them to participate more fully in day to day life.

Some of the tasks an occupational therapist can help your child with include:

• Improving handwriting
• Developing self care skills like getting dressed or brushing their teeth
• Improving problem solving skills
• Developing fine motor skills
• Improving concentration and memory issues
• Improving organizational skills

Book Your Appointment With Little Feet Pediatric Therapy Today

Has your child been diagnosed with spina bifida?

Physical and occupational therapy treatments can help your child to develop the skills they need to become their best selves.

We’re Little Feet Pediatric Therapy and we can help.

Book your appointment with Little Feet Pediatric Therapy today.