Network Ireland Kildare
Charity of the year 2011

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland

was chosen as Network Ireland Kildare Branch's charity for 2011.

Margaret O’Gorman nominated the charity based on how she has seen them support close friends.

This year's Luncheon was held on 18 November in the Osprey Hotel. With nearly 170 guests and best-selling author, Sheila O'Flanagan, as our guest speaker, this was a very successful event.

Check out coverage on Kildare TV.

Check out the article in the SBHI Spring 2012 magazine.

click on a thumbnail to enlarge the image:



SBHI, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, was established in 1968 by a small group of parents whose children had Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. These parents continue to dedicate their time to the association and are now elected volunteers on our Board of Directors as well as being elected to Branch Committees nationally. Today, SBHI has over 3 000 members and has branches in all four provinces, as well as a professionally run National Resource Centre based in Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

Spina Bifida is a relatively common condition, which affects about one in every 1000 children born per year in Ireland. Ireland has one of the highest incidences of Spina Bifida births in the world. Spina Bifida is the most common neural tube defect which causes incomplete development of the spinal cord. Translated, it literally means 'split spine'.
The effects of Spina Bifida vary enormously, depending on the type, the location of the cyst and the severity of the condition. These include Hydrocephalus, varying degrees of paralysis, pressure sores, loss of sensation of the lower limbs, malformations, latex allergies, social and sexual issues and bowel and bladder incontinence.

Hydrocephalus literally means 'water on the brain' and is a potentially dangerous condition involving the excessive accumulation of spinal fluid within the brain caused either by over production of the fluid or more usually by an obstruction to its normal circulation. While it is a complication of Spina Bifida occurring in approximately 90 % of cases, Hydrocephalus is by no means exclusive to Spina Bifida.
Because of the areas of the brain most affected, functions associated with thought and learning, as well as with co-ordinated skilled movement, begin to deteriorate. The precise effects differ between individuals and are further complicated by other abnormalities, as well as by the pre-existing degrees of ability and personality of each person affected. It is not surprising therefore that while, for instance, learning disorders are common amongst those with Hydrocephalus, and their exact effects vary considerably. Hydrocephalus can also result in subtle effects, giving problems with co-ordination, motivation, organisational skills and language. Physical effects such as upper limb control and hand skills, visual problems, or early puberty in children, may also occur. Approximately one third of people with Hydrocephalus have seizures at some time in their lives and some people with Hydrocephalus may have problems with decision-making, logical thinking, organisational problems, and inability to follow verbal instructions, short-term memory difficulties and passive behaviour. All of these have major implications for adult life.

Background to the Association:
• Founded in 1968 as the Irish Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
• National Voluntary Organisation, with approx 1,400 members
• Local voluntary branches nationwide, with professional staff introduced in 2002

Vision & Mission:
That people with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus will participate to their fullest potential in all aspects of life
SBHI aims to provide information, support and advice to people with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus, their parents, carers and siblings and to promote social inclusion and equality for people with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus in Irish society.