Outline
Introduction🧁
Spina bifida is a congenital condition in which the spine and spinal cord do not develop properly. It is an example of a neural tube defect. When the neural tube fails to shut completely, the backbone that protects the spinal cord fails to develop and seal correctly. This frequently leads to spinal cord and nerve injury.
The severity of spina bifida varies depending on the type of defect, size, position, and complications. When surgery is medically necessary for early treatment of spina bifida, it may not always entirely address the condition.
Spina bifida is the most prevalent central nervous system birth defect, occurring in one out of every 2,000 live children in the United States. Every year, around 1,500 newborns are born in the United States with spina bifida.
Types
Myelomeningocele
The most severe form of spina bifida is myelomeningocele. In this condition, a sac of fluid enters the baby's spine through an orifice. This sac contains and destroys a portion of the spinal cord and nerves. This variety of spina bifida causes mild to serious disability, such as difficulties going to the bathroom, lack of sensation in the legs or feet, and inability to move the legs. Until lately, spina bifida therapy was limited to post-birth surgery, when harm from chronic amniotic fluid exposure had already occurred.
Meningocele
Meningocele is characterized by the passage of a sac of fluid via a hole in the baby's spine. However, the spinal cord is not enclosed within this sac. Usually, there is minimal or no nerve injury. Spina bifida of this form might result in mild impairments.
Spina Bifida Occulta
Spina bifida occulta is the least severe kind of spina bifida. Spina bifida is often known as "hidden" spina bifida. There is a slight hole in the spine with it, but no entrance or sac on the back. The spinal cord and nerves are normally healthy. Spina bifida occulta is frequently detected in late childhood or maturity. This form of spina bifida does not generally lead to any problems.
Symptoms & Diagnosis ✨
Issues with the bladder and bowels (incontinence)
Sexual impotence
Below the deficiency, there is weakness and loss of feeling.
Paralysis of the lower legs, as well as other cognitive deficits
Orthopedic abnormalities such as clubfoot or knee or hip issues
Spina bifida occulta. A hair spike, a little dimple, or a skin discoloration
Meningocele. Bladder and bowel abnormalities
Myelomeningocele. Opened spinal canal, spinal cord forms a sac, exposed tissues
Causes
Folic acid deficiency
One of the most critical variables that might increase your chances of having a kid with spina bifida is a lack of folic acid throughout pregnancy.
Folic acid supplements used before and during pregnancy are thought to prevent up to 7 out of 10 incidences of neural tube disorders such as spina bifida.
Family history
A family member with a neural tube abnormality, such as spina bifida, enhances the likelihood of delivering a kid with spina bifida.
If you've already had a kid with spina bifida, your chances of having another child with the disease are higher.
In such cases, it is critical that you take high-dose folic acid before becoming pregnant, and for at least the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Medicine
Medicines associated with spina bifida include valproate and carbamazepine. They're frequently used to treat epilepsy as well as several mental health issues including bipolar disorder.
If you need to take one of these medications and are not wanting to get pregnant, it is best to utilize a dependable form of contraception.
To lessen the chance of complications, your doctor may be able to lower the dosage and prescribe folic acid supplements at a larger dose than usual.
Treatment🔥
The two significant treatment options for spina bifida are fetal surgery during pregnancy or surgery on the kid shortly after delivery.
Several variables impact whether prenatal or postnatal spina bifida repair is suitable, such as gestational age, the degree of the myelomeningocele lesion on the vertebrae, the occurrence of the Chiari II malformation, and a variety of crucial mother health issues.
Prenatal repair necessitates a major commitment from both the mother and a supportive person.
Comentarios