Spina Bifida

What Is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida means 'split spine'. It occurs when one or more of the vertebrae don’t form properly during pregnancy. If the spinal nerves are unprotected this can result in damage to the central nervouse system. This can lead to:-

• difficulties in mobility
• bladder and bowel problems
• paralysis below the affected part of the spine in severe cases

How Many Types Of Spina Bifida Are There?

There are two types of spina bifida. Myelomeningocele is more common and more serious than meningocele

• Meningocele - the sac contains tissues that cover the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid. Nerve damage is minimal, and so there is often little disability
• Myelomeningocele - the sac contains tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, nerves and part of the spinal cord. This means that spinal cord damage or incomplete development always occurs. This results in paralysis and sensation loss below the damaged region. There can be an accompanying condition called hydrocephalus (pressure in the fluid in the brain) which causes some very young children's heads to swell with the pressure. Hydrocephalus  can gradually damage brain function, especially if untreated. Other problems  can include incontinence and urinary tract infections.

What Are The Symptoms Of Spina Bifida?

• Spina bifida occulta may present as a dimple or small patch of hair growth on the back. This is a mild form and rarely causes disability
• Spina bifida cystica presents as a sac or cyst on the back, which is covered by a layer of thin skin. This sac contains the tissues that cover the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and sometimes the nerves and tissue of the spinal cord itself.

What Treatments Are Available For Spina Bifida?

If the spina bifida is mild, no treatment is normally necessary. If the condition is more severe, surgery can be performed.

 If hydrocephalus is also present, surgery is necessary to drain the cerebrospinal fluid that builds up.

Physiotherapy can help with mobility. A urinary catheter may be needed and emotional and educational support will be very helpful.

There is no cure for spina bifida.

Can Spina Bifida Be Prevented?

It is not possible to exclusively prevent spina bifida.  It is thought that taking folic acid supplement from at least one month before conception through to the end of the twelfth week of pregnancy can reduce the risk of a baby with spina bifida by up to seventy per cent.

400mcg is the recommended supplement in addition to a dietary intake of 200mcg each day. Folic acid can be found in:-

• Fortified breakfast cereal
• Peas
• Orange juice
• Green leafy vegetables
• Baked beans

 

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