Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way.
When the neural tube does not close all the way, the backbone that protects the spinal cord does not form and close as it should, and this often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
Spina bifida might cause physical and intellectual disabilities that range from mild to severe. The severity depends on:
- The size and location of the opening in the spine.
- Whether part of the spinal cord and nerves are affected.
Some people may have little to no disability. Other people may be limited in the way they move or function. Some people may even be paralyzed or unable to walk or move parts of their bodies.
Even so, with the right care, most people affected by spina bifida lead full, productive lives.
About Disorder
Types of Spina Bifida
The three most common types of spina bifida are:
Myelomeningocele: Myelomeningocele is the most severe type of spina bifida. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged. This type of spina bifida causes moderate to severe disabilities, such as problems affecting how the person goes to the bathroom and losing feeling in their legs or feet.
Meningocele: With this type, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. However, the spinal cord is not in this sac. There is usually little or no nerve damage. This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities.
Spina Bifida Occulta: This type is the mildest type of spina bifida. It is sometimes called “hidden” spina bifida. There is a small gap in the spine but no opening or sac on the back. Many times, spina bifida occulta does not cause any disabilities and is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood.
Types of Spina Bifida
Screening and Diagnosis
During pregnancy:
There are screening tests (prenatal tests) to check for spina bifida and other congenital disabilities during pregnancy.
AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein): This is a simple blood test that measures how much AFP has passed into the mother’s bloodstream from the baby. A high level of AFP might mean that the baby has spina bifida.
Ultrasound: Spina bifida can frequently be seen with this test. In some cases, the doctor can see if the baby has spina bifida or find other reasons for a high AFP level.
Amniocentesis: For this test, the doctor takes a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the womb. Higher-than-average levels of AFP in the fluid might mean that the baby has spina bifida.
After the Baby Is Born:
Sometimes there is a hairy patch of skin or a dimple on the baby’s back that is first seen after the baby is born. A doctor can use an image scan, such as an X-ray, MRI, or C.T., to get a clearer view of the baby’s spine and the bones in the back.
Contact us now to learn more about screening and diagnosis.
Screening and Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment will be different for each person. Some people have problems that are more serious than others. People with myelomeningocele and meningocele will need more treatments than people with spina bifida occulta.
Contact us now to learn more about treatment.
