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Neutral tube defect -

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects a baby’s neural tube (the structure that eventually develops into a baby’s spinal cord and brain).

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Healthy baby -

In a healthy baby, the neural tube starts to form early during pregnancy and closes about four weeks after conception.

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Baby with spina bifida -

In a baby with spina bifida, part of the neural tube does not develop or close properly, leading to defects in the spinal cord and vertebrae.

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Cause -

It is not known what causes spina bifida, but low levels of folic acid before and during the early stages of pregnancy is known to be a risk factor.

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Types of spina bifida -

There are three different types of spina bifida. The first and most serious is myelomeningocele. In this type of spina bifida, the spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae.

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Myelomeningocele -

This gap allows for the spinal cord and the membranes around it to push through the spinal cord and form a sac in the baby’s back.

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Meningocele -

Another serious type of spina bifida is meningocele, where the protective membranes around the spinal cord push out through the spine.

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Meningocele -

In a baby with meningocele, the spinal cord usually develops normally. This means that the membranes can often be removed without damaging the nerves.

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Spina bifida occulta -

The final type of spina bifida is spina bifida occulta. This is the most common and mildest type, and occurs when one or more vertebrae does not form properly.

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Spina bifida occulta -

In spina bifida occulta, the gap in the spine is very small. It does not usually cause problems, and most people are unaware they even have it.

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Symptoms -

Most babies born with spina bifida are able to have surgery to close the gap in the spine. However, by this point the nervous system has normally been damaged.

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Weakness or paralysis of the legs -

This can lead to problems such as weakness or total paralysis of the legs, bowel incontinence, and urinary incontinence.

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Loss of sensation -

Children with spina bifida may also experience a loss of skin sensation in the legs, which means they are unable to properly feel hot and cold. This can cause accidental injury.

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Hydrocephalus -

There is also a risk that a baby with spina bifida will have or develop hydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid in the brain). This can cause further brain damage.

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Learning difficulties -

While most people with spina bifida have normal intelligence, some do experience learning difficulties.

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Risk factors -

The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, but there are certain factors that are known to increase the risk of a baby developing the condition.

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Low folic acid intake -

As previously mentioned, risk factors for spina bifida include low folic acid intake during pregnancy. Of course, having a family history of spina bifida would be a major risk factor as well.

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Certain medications -

There are also certain medications, such as valproic acid, that are known to increase the risk of having a baby with spina bifida when taken during pregnancy.

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Diagnosing spina bifida -

Spina bifida is often detected at the mid-pregnancy anomaly scan. If it is detected, the implications of the condition are discussed with the mother.

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Diagnosing spina bifida -

Once the baby is born, there are a number of tests that can be carried out to find out how severe the condition is and which treatment is most suitable.

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Treatment -

In most cases, surgery is offered straight after birth to close the opening in the spine and treat hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain).

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Therapies -

There are therapies available to help make daily life easier for children with spina bifida and improve their independence. Examples include physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

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Other treatments -

Other treatments for people with spina bifida include assistive devices and mobility equipment, as well as treatment for bowel and urinary problems.

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Prognosis -

Spina bifida can be a very challenging condition to live with, but with the right treatment and support many people can live well into adulthood.

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The importance of folic acid -

Although we do not know the exact cause of spina bifida, we know that a lack of folic acid during pregnancy is a risk factor. The best way to prevent spina bifida, therefore, is to take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy.

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General recommendation -

Generally it is recommended to take a 400mg folic acid tablet every day while trying to get pregnant and, once pregnant, until you reach 12 weeks.

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General recommendation -

It is also a good idea to eat foods that contain folate (the natural form of folic acid). Examples of such foods include broccoli, spinach, and chickpeas.

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Higher-risk cases -

Women perceived to be at higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida will often be prescribed a higher dose table of folic acid.

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All in all -

Spina bifida can be difficult to live with, but there is plenty of support available for those who need it, and this is only set to increase as awareness of the condition increases.

Sources: (NHS) (CDC)

See also: Celebrities open up about raising children with disabilities

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