Essay On Spina Brifida

Spina Bifida or “split spine” is a birth defect that is present at birth and can occur anywhere on the spine if the neural tube does not properly close. It is a common type of (NTD) or neural tube defect. When the backbone that supports and forms the spinal cord does not close all the way, it causes damage to the spinal cord and it nerves. This disorder can cause physical and cognitive disabilities that can range from mild to severe. The severity depends on the size and location. There are a few ways to treat this and allow a child to live as freely as possible.

There are three types of Spina Bifida: Myelomeningocele , Meningocele, and Spina Bifida Occulta. Myelomeningocele is the type of Spina Bifida that most people refer to when talking about the disorder and is the most serious type. A sac of fluid is entered through the opening in the back and part of the spinal cord. Other nerves that are in this sac are also damaged. This type is the most severe and causes problems affecting bathroom use, loss of feeling in the legs and / or feet, or not being able to move their legs at all. The next type of Spina …show more content…
It can sometimes be seen on the skin above the spinal defect. This may include an abnormal amount of hair in one area, a birthmark, or protruding spinal cord tissue. There are many procedures are done to determine whether a baby has this disorder. Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that an unborn baby produces. This test determines how much AFP has passed through to the mother’s bloodstream. If it is an excessive amount of this protein, it can mean the baby has Spina Bifida. Another test is called the “triple screen” which looks for neural tube defects. Aminocentesis is a third test that requires a doctor to take a sample of the amniotic fluid around the mother’s womb. A high level of AFP in this area can also mean the baby has Spina