Spina Bifida
The birth defect spina bifida (SPY-na BIFF-uh-duh) is a type of neural tube defect. A neural tube defect is a problem with the spinal cord, brain and/or their protective coverings caused by the fetus spine failing to close completely during the first month of pregnancy. This spinal opening can result in nerve damage and spinal cord defects.
Within 24 hours after birth, surgery to close the newborns spinal opening is normally performed, but the nerve damage is permanent. This nerve damage can cause paralysis of the legs, learning disabilities, bowel problems or an accumulation of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus).
There is no cure for spina bifida. Treatments include surgery, medication and physiotherapy and depend on the complications related to nerve damage. Taking folic acid can help you reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
Recently Answered
- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my child's open spina bifida symptoms?
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As open spina bifida is usually diagnosed or indicated during pregnancy, chances are good that you'll already be working with your doctor and other physicians by the time the baby arrives. If the defect comes as a surprise at birth, your doctor will... Full Answer
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- Q What are the benefits of prenatal surgery to treat spina bifida?
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Prenatal surgery is an experimental treatment for some babies with spina bifida. Although it does have risks to mother and fetus, in the research to date doctors have found prenatal treatment to have several benefits: - Reducing risk... Full Answer
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- Q What treatments exist for my developing baby with spina bifida?
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If spina bifida is detected during pregnancy, in most cases the baby is delivered by cesarean section and surgery is performed soon after birth. In some cases, doctors may suggest experimental prenatal surgery to close the hole in the baby's... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for open spina bifida?
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The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is conducting ongoing research into the genetic properties of all types of spina bifida in order to better understand risk factors and possible gene therapy. The National Institute of... Full Answer
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- Q If I have spina bifida, should I avoid having children?
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Most sensory-related developmental disorders cannot be predicted. However, some sensory-related developmental disorders are caused by known genetic defects. In these cases, a person's risk may be able to be assessed using genetic testing. Full Answer
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- Q How many people are affected by spina bifida?
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Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect affecting babies in the United States. Out of the four million children born each year, between 1,500-2,000 are affected. Most children who are born with spina bifida are able to live normal lives,... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about spina bifida symptoms?
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Most cases of spina bifida are diagnosed before or immediately after birth, so if you haven't already been diagnosed you likely don't have the disorder. However, if you think that you or your child is suffering from spina bifida, you should talk to your... Full Answer
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- Q What are the different types of spina bifida?
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There are four different types of spina bifida: occulta, closed neural tube defects, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Occulta is the mildest and most common form in which one or more vertebrae are malformed. The name "occulta," which means "hidden,"... Full Answer
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- Q Can my diet help me prevent spina bifida?
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If you or your unborn child already have spina bifida, there is no cure for the disorder. However, if you are pregnant, your nutritional choices can help you decrease the risk for spina bifida in your developing child. Spina bifida is associated with an... Full Answer
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- Q What research is being done on spina bifida?
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Currently, a great deal of research is being conducted to learn more about spina bifida, what causes it, and how it can be treated. Major areas of study are the following: Genetic causes: Currently, researchers are seeking to determine what genetic... Full Answer
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