The Wellington Foundation in collaboration with the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Foundation had an interactive and educative session on the 19th of July 2011 to promote awareness on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Nigeria. In order to help promote brain and spine health, few free surgeries where performed on children suffering from these birth defects on the 20th and 21st of July 2011.
HYDROCEPHALUS
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Normally, this fluid cushions your brain. When you have too much, though, it puts harmful pressure on your brain. There are two kinds of hydrocephalus. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth. Causes include genetic problems and problems with how the fetus develops. An unusually large head is the main sign of congenital hydrocephalus. Acquired hydrocephalus can occur at any age. Causes can include head injuries, strokes, infections, tumors and bleeding in the brain.
On the 20th of July 2011, a four year old girl was presented at the Wellington Clinics with congenital hydrocephalus. A surgical insertion of shunt system was required and carried out successfully by our experienced and specialized surgeons.
SPINA BIFIDA
Spina bifida (“cleft spine”) is a birth defect affecting the spinal column. Spina bifida progresses from a cleft, or splitlike opening, in the back part of the backbones (the spinal vertebrae). In more severe cases, it involves the spinal cord. Spina bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects known as neural tube defects, which affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Spina bifida begins in the womb, when the tissues that fold to form the neural tube do not close or do not stay closed completely. This causes an opening in the vertebrae, which surround and protect the spinal cord. This occurs just a few weeks (21 to 28 days) after conception—usually before the woman knows that she is pregnant.
On the 21st of July 2011, a 3 months old baby presented at our clinic with spina bifida birth defect. Surgery for repair and closure of the lesion was performed on the baby successfully by our surgeons at the Wellington Clinics.