Making decisions about treatment

EBM means that individual clinical skill is combined with the best available clinical evidence from research. Evidence based treatments are proven to be safe and effective. 

They are used to diagnose Spina Bifida and treat complications. This type of treatment is often called mainstream or conventional medical treatment.

Some families choose to explore complementary or alternative therapies. Many of these do not have clinical evidence to prove their benefits.

It is important to always speak to your treating team if additional therapies are being explored, trialled or used on a regular basis. Some complementary and alternative therapies impact on conventional treatments that we use, so please let us know if you are considering complementary or alternative therapies. 

Complementary therapies may be used together with conventional medical treatments to support and enhance your child’s quality of life and well-being. They are not seen as a cure but help control symptoms, such as pain or fatigue.

Complementary therapies include:

• relaxation
• meditation
• visualisation
• aromatherapy
• reflexology
• music therapy
• art therapy
• massage

Some complementary therapies may not be recommended for people with Spina Bifida. Always talk to your doctor before starting any complementary therapy.

Alternative therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatments. Alternative therapies are often promoted as “cures” but they are unproven and have not been scientifically tested. They may cause harm or suffering to those who use them instead of conventional medical treatments.

Some examples of alternative therapies include:

• Naturopathy
• Homeopathy 
• Chinese herbs
• Megavitamins.