The Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) will hold an event next Tuesday, the 25th, awareness of spina bifida, a congenital malformation condition that affects the spinal cord of babies. The action is free and takes place from 2 pm, at Parque das Dunas. The activities are aimed at the general public, who will be able to learn more about spina bifida, treatment possibilities and research carried out on the subject at ISD based on information shared at interactive stands.

The event brings together the multidisciplinary team from the pediatric spinal cord injury care line at the Specialized Rehabilitation Center (CER) at ISD, with their student and research preceptors, students from the Physical Therapy course at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) and members of Neurinho, an association that supports parents and children with neurological diseases. Adolescents treated by the spinal cord injury care line will also participate in the initiative, leading a moment of conversation about their health condition and the challenges and achievements of the inclusion process. Also present will be physical educators from the city of Macaíba who partner with ISD through Adapted Sports, a care line that includes physical activity in the lives of people with disabilities. 

Camila Simão, a physiotherapist and coordinator of the ISD Specialized Rehabilitation Center (CER ISD), says that the event is an important opportunity to spread knowledge about a condition that is little known by society. “With this event, we intend to show the potential of people with spina bifida, that they are capable and that they should be included in the community. We understand that in order to break down attitudinal barriers, it is necessary to have access to knowledge. That is why moments like this are so important. Our professionals, students and users are committed to helping overcome the barriers of prejudice and lack of knowledge. This is the flag we want to raise this afternoon,” says Camila. 

Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a set of congenital malformations that develop in babies during the first days of pregnancy. It occurs when the vertebral arches that protect the spinal cord do not close properly. In more severe cases, such as myelomeningocele, a sac containing the spinal cord and its nerve roots, cerebrospinal fluid and meninges (the membranes that cover the nervous system) herniates out of the spinal column. 

This condition leads to spinal cord injury with impaired motor and sensory function below the lesion, as well as altered bladder and neurogenic bowel function. It is usually associated with another brain malformation that leads to hydrocephalus. Treatment should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team and should occur as early as possible in order to promote the child's independence and developmental potential. 

The ISD CER has a specific line of care aimed at people with spina bifida. To access the available services, you must schedule an appointment for screening by calling 4042-0033/4042-0044.