INFORMATION ON SPINA BIFIDA

Spina bifida may be defined as serious birth defect that develop when tissues surrounding spinal cord which is under developing stage doesn’t close properly. Generally spina bifida develops in a baby in early pregnancy period of mother. Spina bifida is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges.

TYPES OF SPINA BIFIDA

Spina bifida is of four types:-

1. Closed neural tube defects.
2. Occulta.
3. Meningocele.
4. Myelomeningocele.

CAUSES OF SPINA BIFIDA

The factors which leads to the development of spina bifida are:-

1. Genetic defect.
2. Envoirmental factor.
3. Improper nutrition.

SYMPTOMS OF SPINA BIFIDA

The various symptoms shown by a subject with spina bifida are:-

1. Abnormal tuft.
2. Clump of hair.
3. Small dimple or birthmark on the skin at the site of the spinal malformation.
Beside these symptoms, subject with Myelomeningocele type of spina bifida shows:-

1. Loss of movement.
2. Difficulty in bowel movement.
3. Seizures.

DIAGNOSIS OF SPINA BIFIDA

During pregnancy the most common screening methods used to diagnose spina bifida are Fetal Ultrasound and Maternal Serum Alpha Fetoprotein (MSAFP) test. The Maternal Serum Alpha Fetoprotein (MSAFP) test measures the level of a protein (alpha-fetoprotein. During pregnancy period, small amount of alpha-fetoprotein usually crosses the placenta and enters the mother’s bloodstream.


Postnatal diagnosis can be carried out by:-

1. Ultrasound.
2. CT scan.
3. X-ray.
4. MRI.

TREATMENT OF SPINA BIFIDA

The nerve tissue which are damaged or inflamated neither be repaired nor their function can be restored, so there is no cure for spina bifida.

But treatment for spina bifida depends on the severity of the subject’s condition. Occulta type of Spina bifida doesn't require any treatment at all, but meningocele type involves surgery to restore the meninges back in place. This surgery usually performed soon after birth.

Myelomeningocele type of spina bifida also requires surgery, usually within several hours to several days after birth. Surgery can help to minimize the danger of infection which is associated with the exposed nerves and may also help protect the spinal cord from additional trauma.