Spina bifida is a type of defect at birth called a neural tube defect. It occurs when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not form correctly around part of the baby's spinal cord, during the first month of pregnancy. This disease usually affects the brain and spinal cord because of incomplete development. There is no scientific explanation of what causes spina bifida, but there are some factors that can result in the disease. Folic acid deficiency, combination of genetic and environmental risk factors, relating to a family history of neural tube defects are some factors that can lead to spina bifida. This disease occurs in about 3,000 pregnancies each year but only about 1,500 in the United States. Overall the rate of spina bifida seems to
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Another type of spina bifida is Meningocele. The protective membranes that are the meninges, around the spinal cord push out through the opening in the vertebrae and forms a sac on the outside of the back. Meningocele usually has the same symptoms has the other two types. The last type is Myelomeningocele which is the most severe. The backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth and it forms a sac holding parts of the spinal cord area. Any of these symptoms can take place: Loss of bladder or bowel control, partial or complete lack of sensation, paralysis of the legs (partial or complete), weakness of the hips or any of the lower part, abnormal feet or legs, build up of fluid inside the skull. Some of the tests for spina bifida ,can be an ultrasound, amniocentesis, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screenings in the second trimester, multiple-marking screening tests. If treatment is necessary for the disease and is diagnosed before birth the baby can undergo surgery while still in the womb to repair or minimize the defect. Treatments after birth can vary depending on how severe the defect is and their age and health. Some of the treatments are medications, removal of the cyst (meningocele) ongoing surgery, and physical and behavioral therapy. Prognosis of spina bifida can also vary, like if diagnosed with Myelomeningocele they would usually be required
Another type of spina bifida is Meningocele. The protective membranes that are the meninges, around the spinal cord push out through the opening in the vertebrae and forms a sac on the outside of the back. Meningocele usually has the same symptoms has the other two types. The last type is Myelomeningocele which is the most severe. The backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth and it forms a sac holding parts of the spinal cord area. Any of these symptoms can take place: Loss of bladder or bowel control, partial or complete lack of sensation, paralysis of the legs (partial or complete), weakness of the hips or any of the lower part, abnormal feet or legs, build up of fluid inside the skull. Some of the tests for spina bifida ,can be an ultrasound, amniocentesis, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screenings in the second trimester, multiple-marking screening tests. If treatment is necessary for the disease and is diagnosed before birth the baby can undergo surgery while still in the womb to repair or minimize the defect. Treatments after birth can vary depending on how severe the defect is and their age and health. Some of the treatments are medications, removal of the cyst (meningocele) ongoing surgery, and physical and behavioral therapy. Prognosis of spina bifida can also vary, like if diagnosed with Myelomeningocele they would usually be required