National Spina Bifida Awareness Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Spina Bifida Awareness Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Spina Bifida Awareness Month is observed on October 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Spina Bifida Awareness Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about National Spina Bifida Awareness Month.

📅 What day is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month 2024?

In 2024, National Spina Bifida Awareness Month is on Sunday, October 1st. It is the 1st Sunday in October; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all fascinating details and facts about October 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every October, we observe National Spina Bifida Awareness Month to raise awareness and provide support for the hundreds of thousands of individuals affected by this congenital condition. Spina bifida occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not develop properly during pregnancy. Instead of an opening, there is typically a gap in the baby’s back, but it does not cause any damage to the spinal cord or nerves. The neural tube, which forms the baby’s brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues, is affected by this condition.

📜 National Spina Bifida Awareness Month History

In 1653, Nicolas Tulp documented the first known case of spina bifida, defining it as an abnormality in the spine. His textbook, Observationes Medicae, described six cases of spina bifida, including one where a child had a large myelomeningocele at the lumbar level.

Surgeons attempted various treatments for spina bifida from the 1600s to the 1800s, but were unsuccessful. They continued to study the condition and tried new procedures, such as draining or injecting liquids into the sac. While mortality rates decreased, patients still faced significant debilitation. In the mid-1800s, Dr. James Morton found success by injecting a solution of iodine and glycerine into the sac.

The Spina Bifida Association of America was established in Chicago in 1973 to provide information and support to its chapters and members. They have made significant advancements in therapies and diagnostics, improving the lives of individuals with spina bifida. October is now recognized as the official month for spina bifida awareness, and events and fundraising efforts have grown to support research for better treatment options.

✅ National Spina Bifida Awareness Month Facts

🔖 The unknown
While there is no definitive answer, experts speculate that a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences may be responsible for the development of spina bifida.

🔖 One of a kind
Spina bifida is referred to as the “snowflake condition” because each case is unique and no two cases are alike.

🔖 Common
Myelomeningocele is the most common and severe form of spina bifida.

👍 Why Is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month Important

The most prevalent neural tube abnormality in the United States is spina bifida. It affects 1,500 to 2,000 of the more than 4 million newborns born each year. Because it is so widespread, it is critical to be informed and prepared so that we can provide helpful information to as many individuals as possible.

Spina bifida has a significant emotional and financial impact on families. Medical costs for children with spina bifida are thirteen times higher than for those without the condition. Anything we can do to alleviate the burden is needed to make things a bit easier for them.

There is presently no cure for spina bifida, but scientists are working hard to develop one. As of today, the issue can be mitigated and controlled, but the more we raise attention to it and finance research, the closer we will be to entirely fixing it.

🙂 How To Observe National Spina Bifida Awareness Month

⚡ Get social

⚡ Donate to charity
Despite significant advancements in the therapy for spina bifida, there is an ongoing requirement for additional tools and resources in this field. The funds are also utilized to influence public policies regarding important issues within the community and to offer vital information to individuals, families, and healthcare providers. Increasing awareness is crucial in order to make further progress in this area.

⚡ Make it a theme
You may educate yourself about individuals most affected by spina bifida by using social media. You can learn about the personal stories of ordinary people while also learning about the cause by using the hashtag # SpinaBifida.You may then share, promote, or do your part to educate others. On the internet, you may access webinar series and instructional resources at SpinaBifidaAssociation.com.

📅 When is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month?

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