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Management solutions - Spina Bifida 

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Apart from initial surgery to close the defect in the spine, most treatments are designed to aid the person affected lead an active and independent life.

Nerve damage may mean that people with spina bifida have difficulty recognising when their bladder or bowel is full and have trouble controlling the release of urine or faeces. This can result in urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, urinary retention, constipation or a combination of these.

If bladder function is affected (neurogenic bladder), a catheter can be used to ensure the bladder is completely emptied. A slim, flexible tube, a catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra or sometimes suprapubically, through a hole created in the lower abdomen. Other products are also available to manage urinary incontinence.

If bowel function is affected, there are various treatments available to treat constipation or faecal incontinence.

Special exercises for the legs and feet can help to prepare a child with spina bifida for walking with braces or crutches when they are older. General physiotherapy helps keep joints more flexible and strengthens muscles.

As the child enters adulthood any problems with sexual function will need to be addressed. This includes, erectile dysfunction in men with spina bifida, which is a manageable condition.

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Related products:
SpeediCath intermittent catheters
Peristeen Anal Irrigation
Conveen Optima urisheath
Spina Bifida - An insight

Spina Bifida - An insight

Explore this booklet on the important roles of parents and carers, with aids that can help make a child's life easier.

Read more »

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