Spina bifida is a congenital condition that results from poor development of the neural tube. It is the structure that eventually leads to the development of the brain and the spinal cord. This typically closes on the 28th day after conception but for those with spina bifida, this doesn’t close properly.
Because the neural tube doesn’t close properly in spina bifida, it causes defects on the spinal cord and the bones of the spine. It also has physical as well as intellectual effects on the child.
Types of Spina Bifida
There are different types of spina bifida but the most common ones include the myelomeningocele, meningocele, and spina bifida occulta.
Myelomeningocele
Myelomeningocele is the most fatal type of spina bifida. In this case, there is a formation of a sac of fluid at the baby’s back. This sac contains part of the spinal cord and the nerves, causing several disabilities to the child which may include his/her ability to feel sensation on his/her lower extremities.
Meningocele
Just like the myelomeningocele, there is also a sac of fluid at the baby’s back in meningocele. The only difference is that the sac doesn’t encapsulate a part of the spinal cord. Hence, there is little to no disabilities or nerve damage.
Spina Bifida Occulta
If myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida, then it is the spina bifida occulta that’s considered to be the mildest form. Unlike myelomeningocele and meningocele, there is no opening or sac found at the baby’s back. Because the spinal cord and the nerves in spina bifida occulta are not affected, it is usually not found undiscovered until late childhood or adulthood.
Causes
The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown but it’s said that genes and the environment play a role in the development of this congenital condition. However, there are ways for a pregnant woman to prevent spina bifida from occurring on her baby. Things like taking folic acid supplements everyday, consulting a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, and making sure that conditions like diabetes and obesity are under control before getting pregnant.
Diagnosis
There are screening tests during pregnancy that check for the presence of spina bifida and other birth defects. These include AFP or alpha-fetoprotein, ultrasound, and amniocentesis. When spina bifida is suspected after birth, then the doctor may run tests like X-ray, MRI, and CT scan to have a clearer view of the baby’s back.
Treatment
Treatment for spina bifida varies. But typically, in cases like myelomeningocele and meningocele, surgery is needed to close the open spina bifida. The surgery reduces the chances of doing a diversion or shunting of the fluid away from the brain. It also reduces the chance of mobility problems that may require young children to walk in crutches.
