Spina Bifida – What is it, Causes and Treatments!

Spina Bifida – What it is, Causes and Treatments  that we cannot ignore. Furthermore, Spina Bifida is a congenital malformation (birth defect) in which there is something wrong with the bone in the spine, exposing the spinal cord that must be protected within the spine.

The problem has no cure and, depending on the type, it can affect the child’s life, so its prevention is highly recommended for pregnant women. If you intend to be a mother or father in the future and, despite never having heard of Spina Bifida , you want to know how to prevent it.

What is Spina Bifida: During the first month after conception, the embryo develops a primitive tissue structure known as the neural tube. Gradually, this structure develops into bones, nerves, and tissue that eventually form the nervous system and spinal column .

Spina Bifida is a birth defect that affects the spine . When the unborn baby has Spina Bifida , something goes wrong with the development of the neural tube and spinal column – it doesn’t close completely. The spine is a ridge of bone that protects and surrounds the nerves.

Symptoms of Spina Bifida: If the opening occurs at the top of the spine , the patient’s legs are more likely to be completely paralyzed, and there will be other problems with movement elsewhere in the body. If the openings are in the middle or at the base of the spine, symptoms tend to be less severe.

Causes of Spina Bifida: No one is completely sure what causes Spina Bifida . Scientists say it is likely due to a combination of inherited (genetic), environmental and nutritional factors.

There is some evidence that low consumption of plant proteins and folic acid plays a role in Spina Bifida . Women who don’t have enough folic acid during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to a baby with Spina Bifida .

Experts say that women of childbearing age should ensure their folic acid intake is adequate. No one is sure how taking folic acid prevents Spina Bifida from developing.

Types of Spina Bifida: Spina Bifida occulta  , which is characterized by incomplete closure of the spinal column , with no involvement of the spinal cord and the structures that protect it. It can go unnoticed, usually does not present neurological problems and is more frequent in the lower part of the spine, between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, and there may be an abnormal presence of hair and a stain in this region;

Spina bifida cystica: which is characterized by incomplete closure of the vertebral column  , with involvement of the spinal cord and the structures that protect it, through a protrusion on the baby’s back. It can be divided into:

Meningocele:  which is the mildest form of Spina Bifida cystica, as the bump on the baby’s back involves only the structures that protect the spinal cord, leaving the spinal cord inside the vertebrae, as is normal. The bulge is covered by the skin and in this case the baby does not have neurological problems because the conduction of nerve impulses occurs normally;

Myelomeningocele: which is the most serious form of Spina Bifida cystica, as the bump on the baby’s back contains, in addition to the structures that protect the spinal cord, part of it. The bump is not covered by the skin, being open and, in this case, the baby has neurological problems because the transmission of nerve impulses does not occur.

Thus, myelomeningocele can cause problems such as paralysis in the legs, changes in sensation below the lesion, problems with locomotion, urinary and fecal incontinence and learning problems. Myelomeningocele is often related to hydrocephalus , which is an increase in cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

What are the treatment options for Spina Bifida:  Treatment depends on several factors, primarily the severity of the individual’s signs and symptoms. In most cases of occult Spina Bifida , no treatment is necessary.

Surgery: If surgery is needed, this is usually done to repair the spine within two days of birth. The surgeon replaces the spinal cord and tissues or nerves exposed to the patient’s body.