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Spina Bifida is a congenital (present at birth) birth defect where the spine and spinal cord do not form correctly. It is a type of neural tube defect, resulting in varying degrees of neurological damage and physical disability.
read more about spina bifida ...The cause involves a failure of the neural tube to close completely during the first month of pregnancy. Lack of sufficient folic acid during early pregnancy is a major preventable factor. The defect results in the spinal cord and nerves being exposed, causing irreversible damage below the level of the defect. The severity of the disorder depends entirely on how high and wide the defect is on the spine.
Symptoms define the neurological deficit: partial or complete paralysis of the legs, loss of skin sensation, and problems with bowel and bladder control. The main danger is infection and neurological damage. Many individuals also develop hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), which requires a shunt. The level of the spinal defect dictates the severity of the functional loss in the lower limbs.
Spina Bifida frequently impacts eye health due to associated neurological problems. Patients are at high risk of developing strabismus (eye misalignment), optic nerve atrophy, and hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), which increases pressure and can lead to vision loss. Routine ophthalmic screening is necessary for all patients.
Diagnosis is often made prenatally via ultrasound or amniocentesis. After birth, diagnosis relies on a physical exam and imaging tests (MRI or CT scans) to assess the spinal cord damage and check for hydrocephalus.
Necessary treatments include surgery to close the spinal defect shortly after birth and the placement of a shunt to relieve hydrocephalus. Lifelong physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and assistive devices (braces or wheelchairs) are needed to manage mobility.
No, the nerve damage is permanent, but surgery and therapy manage the condition and prevent further injury.
Yes, adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy can prevent most cases of spina bifida.
Spina bifida itself does not always affect intelligence, but associated hydrocephalus can cause learning disabilities.
Infants born with Spina Bifida require a multidisciplinary team. The condition is highly associated with "Arnold-Chiari Malformation," which can cause double vision (Diplopia) and "Nystagmus." Regular eye exams are necessary to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure.
CDC. Spina Bifida (cdc.gov). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Spina Bifida Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Neural Tube Defects (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. Spina Bifida Guide (clevelandclinic.org). 2024.