Spina Bifida Awareness Month sheds light on children affected by birth defect

MESA, Ariz. (Oct. 14, 2024) – October is recognized as Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and support for children living with this neural tube birth defect. Spina bifida affects approximately 1,500 babies each year in the United States, causing lifelong challenges for those diagnosed.

Spina bifida occurs when the spinal column fails to close properly during early fetal development, leading to damage to the spine and nervous system. This condition can result in a range of physical and cognitive impairments, affecting a child's mobility, bowel and bladder control, and intellectual development.

"While spina bifida presents unique challenges for children and their families, raising awareness about this condition is crucial in promoting early detection, access to quality care, and support services," stated Dr. Ashley Tian, a neurosurgeon at Banner Children’s at Desert. "Through education and advocacy, we can enhance the lives of individuals affected by spina bifida."

Banner Maternal Fetal Medicine clinics located in Mesa and Phoenix specialize in complex pregnancies and fetal conditions. For more information visit: bannerhealth.com/institutes/womens-institute/maternal-fetal-medicine-center.

Additionally, the Fetal Care Center at Banner University Medical Center – Tucson is now offering spina bifida fetal surgery, with the first procedure of its kind performed in Arizona earlier this year. To learn more, visit: https://surgery.arizona.edu/divisions-and-sections/pediatric-surgery/fetal-surgery.

Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.