Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect (NTD) which occurs within the first four weeks of pregnancy. The spinal column fails to develop properly resulting in varying degrees of permanent damage to the spinal cord and nervous system.
Infants born with spina bifida may have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord occurs. Although the spinal opening is surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent. This results in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs, depending largely on the location and severity of the lesion. Even with no visible lesion, there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae, and accompanying nerve damage.
The three most common types of spina bifida are:
Infants born with spina bifida may have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord occurs. Although the spinal opening is surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent. This results in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs, depending largely on the location and severity of the lesion. Even with no visible lesion, there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae, and accompanying nerve damage.
The three most common types of spina bifida are:
Myelomeningocele (my'-low-meh-nin'-go-seal)
Myelomeningocele is the most severe form in which the spinal cord and its protective covering, the meninges, protrude from the opening in the spine.
Meningocele (meh-nin'-go-seal)
Meningocele spinal cords develop normally, but only the meninges protrudes from the opening created by damaged or missing vertebrae and may be exposed.
Myelomeningocele is the most severe form in which the spinal cord and its protective covering, the meninges, protrude from the opening in the spine.
Meningocele (meh-nin'-go-seal)
Meningocele spinal cords develop normally, but only the meninges protrudes from the opening created by damaged or missing vertebrae and may be exposed.
Occulta (oh-kul'-tah)
Occulta, which means "hidden", indicates that the defect, where one or more vertebrae are malformed, is covered by a layer of skin. Occulta is the mildest form.
What causes spina bifida?
There is no single known cause of spina bifida. Researchers are studying the effects of heredity, nutrition, environment and pollution, which lead to physical damage to the fetus.
How is spina bifida treated?
Treatment involves surgery and therapy to minimize further neurological damage and address the resulting conditions. Treatment for the variety of effects of spina bifida and hydrocephalus can also include medication, physiotherapy and the use of assistive devices.
Many people with spina bifida will need mobility supports such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. Almost all will have some form of bladder or bowel dysfunction, conditions which they must learn to control and manage.
Can spina bifida be cured?
There is no cure. Ongoing therapy, medical care and/or surgical treatments will be necessary to help prevent and manage complications throughout an individual's life.
Just forty years ago, only 10% of babies born with spina bifida survived their first year. Today, with research and advances in medical technology, 90% survive and thrive!
"Spina Bifida Information." Accessed 27 Feb 2009 http://www.sbhao.on.ca/SBinfo.asp
This is just the beginning, I will post more later
Occulta, which means "hidden", indicates that the defect, where one or more vertebrae are malformed, is covered by a layer of skin. Occulta is the mildest form.
What causes spina bifida?
There is no single known cause of spina bifida. Researchers are studying the effects of heredity, nutrition, environment and pollution, which lead to physical damage to the fetus.
How is spina bifida treated?
Treatment involves surgery and therapy to minimize further neurological damage and address the resulting conditions. Treatment for the variety of effects of spina bifida and hydrocephalus can also include medication, physiotherapy and the use of assistive devices.
Many people with spina bifida will need mobility supports such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. Almost all will have some form of bladder or bowel dysfunction, conditions which they must learn to control and manage.
Can spina bifida be cured?
There is no cure. Ongoing therapy, medical care and/or surgical treatments will be necessary to help prevent and manage complications throughout an individual's life.
Just forty years ago, only 10% of babies born with spina bifida survived their first year. Today, with research and advances in medical technology, 90% survive and thrive!
"Spina Bifida Information." Accessed 27 Feb 2009 http://www.sbhao.on.ca/SBinfo.asp
This is just the beginning, I will post more later
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