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 Does spina bifida run in families?
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Your family's history of spina bifida is one of your child's risk factors when it comes to developing the disease. If you have spina bifida, your child could be at risk of the same birth defect. An even greater risk is posed by women who have had one or... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments to spina bifida?
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In reality, there are no treatments for spina bifida. The disease is an incurable one. However, there are ways to treat the symptoms of spina bifida in order to make leading a normal life easier. One experimental treatment that is becoming more popular... Full Answer
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- Q How does therapy treat spina bifida?
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Spina bifida cannot be cured. However, there are many ways to treat the complications of spina bifida, including paralysis and loss of bowel functions. In children diagnosed with spina bifida, therapy occurs early on in life, as a baby suffering from... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for spina bifida?
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There are several treatments for spina bifida. Determining which one is best for your situation depends on the severity of the disorder. In many cases surgery is necessary in order to prevent infection to the already exposed nerves. Individuals who have... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for a child with spina bifida?
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If your child has spina bifida, it can be very difficult for you to deal with the condition. However, by staying informed, getting support, and participating in all treatment measures, you can give you and your child the best chance at success. The... Full Answer
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- Q Can open spina bifida be prevented?
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The best way to reduce the risk of your baby developing the defect is to make sure you are getting enough folic acid (also called folate or vitamin B-9), not just during pregnancy, but also before. This is because folic acid can take a while to get... Full Answer
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- Q How can I prevent infection to my spina bifida?
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In myelomeningocele, the most severe type of spina bifida, tissue and nerves protrude through the incompletely formed spine, posing a serious infection risk. In order to minimize this risk, doctors generally perform surgery on the spine shortly after... Full Answer
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- Q What increases the risk for open spina bifida?
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Although the precise cause of open spina bifida remains unknown, there are several known risk factors it's important to be aware of. Perhaps the most well known risk factor for having a baby with open spina bifida is having an insufficient amount of the... Full Answer
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- Q What is the relationship between medications and spina bifida?
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Medications don't cause spina bifida in children or adults, but certain medications taken early in a pregnancy can put an unborn baby at risk for developing the disorder. These medications, generally those that prevent seizures, can change how the body... Full Answer
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- Q How is open spina bifida diagnosed?
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Postnatal diagnosis for open spina bifida is often as simple as visually confirming the presence of the sac on the baby's back. Prenatal diagnosis is carried out using blood tests, ultrasound, and/or amniocentesis. The blood test is carried out in the... Full Answer
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