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Spinal Bifida
Advanced pediatric care for your loved one
Spina bifida is a condition where the bones in the vertebral column do not fully cover the spinal cord, leaving it exposed. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and it can affect physical and intellectual development.Spina bifida begins in the womb, when the tissues that fold to form the neural tube do not close or do not stay closed completely.
This causes an opening in the vertebrae, which surround and protect the spinal cord. This occurs just a few weeks (21 to 28 days) after conception. There are four main types of spina bifida: myelomeningocele, spina bifida occulta, closed neural tube defects, and meningocele.
Signs and symptoms of Spinal Bifida
weakness or paralysis in the legs
Obesity (due to inactivity) and urinary tract disorders (due to poor drainage) are common complications of spina bifida.
Build up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), leading to hydrocephalus, and possibly brain damage
Lack of sensation in the skin
Many children with myelomeningocele have or develop a tethered spinal cord.
Growth hormone deficiency resulting in short stature is common in people with spina bifida.
Causes of spinal Bifida
Family history: If one infant is born with spina bifida, there is a chance that a future sibling will have the same condition.
Medications: Drugs such as valproate, used to treat epilepsy or bipolar disorder, have been associated with a higher risk of giving birth to babies with congenital defects, such as spina bifida.
Diabetes: A woman who has diabetes is more likely to have a baby with spina bifida, than one who does not.
Obesity: A woman whose body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above has a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
Folic acid: Spina bifida is more likely if a mother does not have enough folic acid during the pregnancy
Plant proteins, iron, magnesium, and niacin: A low intake of these nutrients before conception may be associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects by two to five times.
Risk factors
Folate deficiency. A folate deficiency increases the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Family history . Couples who’ve had one child with a neural tube defect have a slightly higher chance of having another baby with the same defect.
Medications. Anti-seizure medications, such as valproic acid (Depakene), seem to cause neural tube defects when taken during pregnancy.
Diabetes. Women with diabetes who don’t control their blood sugar well have a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
Obesity. Pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with an increased risk of neural tube birth defects, including spina bifida.
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Comprehensive Treatment of Spinal Bifida
Surgery to repair the spine: The surgeon replaces the spinal cord and any exposed tissues back into the newborn’s body. The gap is then closed and the spinal cord sealed
Prenatal surgery: The surgeon opens the uterus and repairs the spinal cord of the fetus. This type of surgery may be recommended to reduce the risk of spina bifida worsening after delivery.
Cesarian-section birth: If spina bifida is present in the fetus, delivery will probably be by cesarean section. This is safer for the exposed nerves.
Walking and mobility aids. Some babies may start exercises to prepare their legs for walking with braces or crutches when they’re older.
Bowel and bladder management. Routine bowel and bladder evaluations and management plans help reduce the risk of organ damage and illness.
Physical and occupational therapy: This is vital, as it helps the individual become more independent and prevents the lower limb muscles from weakening. Special leg braces may help keep the muscles strong.
