Shriners Children's Hosts 2024 Spina Bifida Clinical Care Meeting at Northern California Hospital

Shriners Children’s welcomed healthcare professionals and clinicians from all over the United States and Canada during the Spina Bifida Association’s annual Spina Bifida Clinical Care Meeting held in Sacramento from May 31 to June 1, 2024. The Spina Bifida Clinical Care Meeting (SBCCM) provides a platform for professionals and advocates to engage with the latest developments, challenges and successes in spina bifida care. This event, welcoming physicians, nurses, therapists, advocates and individuals living with spina bifida, offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, learning and networking.

More than 15 care professionals from Shriners Children’s Northern California shared their knowledge and research with spina bifida leaders from around the country, ranging from panel presentations to workshops. Topics included updates on the CuRe trial for spina bifida research, helping parents understand aspects of neuropsychological evaluations, social work in a clinical setting, improving independence in patients, and an overview of Shriners Children’s Northern California’s spina bifida clinic.

Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect and can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way. When the neural tube doesn’t close completely, the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn’t form and close as it should. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Spina bifida can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after a baby is born. Not all people born with this condition have the same needs, so treatment is different for each child. Some patients have complications that are more serious than others.