Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida, also known as split-back, is a serious birth defect in which a baby’s spine develops incorrectly along the neural tube. It’s classified as a form of myelodysplasia, “a group of developmental anomalies that result from defects that occur during neural tube closure” (Favazza, Myelodysplasia). This deformation can occur anywhere on the spine, and if not treated, can lead to spinal injury and both physical and mental disabilities. Currently, scientists are unsure about the cause of spina bifida, but they believe it has something to do with a combination of environmental factors and genetics during pregnancy. Because there is no definite cause discovered, the best prevention method is for pregnant women to increase their folic acid intake before pregnancy and through their first trimester. Things such as orange juice, multivitamins, eggs, and leafy greens are good sources of folic acid. The three most common forms of spina bifida are myelomeningocele, meningocele, and spina bifida occulta.
Spina Bifida Occulta is the least severe form of spina bifida. It is very hard to detect without an x-ray because “there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back” (Spina Bifida, CDC); in fact, occulta means ‘hidden’ in latin. Some symptoms include …show more content…
It has many types and ranges of severity, but the general characteristic is a sac of fluid on the spine that may contain part of the spinal cord. Though Spina Bifida isn’t a fatal on it’s own, it can lead to severe conditions and affect a person’s mental and physical developments. The cause is unknown, but taking folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent the disorder. Many treatments are also available, from prenatal surgeries to spinal surgery after birth. While it is treatable, nerve damage can be irreversible and some patients are confined to wheelchairs their entire
Spina Bifida, also known as split-back, is a serious birth defect in which a baby’s spine develops incorrectly along the neural tube. It’s classified as a form of myelodysplasia, “a group of developmental anomalies that result from defects that occur during neural tube closure” (Favazza, Myelodysplasia). This deformation can occur anywhere on the spine, and if not treated, can lead to spinal injury and both physical and mental disabilities. Currently, scientists are unsure about the cause of spina bifida, but they believe it has something to do with a combination of environmental factors and genetics during pregnancy. Because there is no definite cause discovered, the best prevention method is for pregnant women to increase their folic acid intake before pregnancy and through their first trimester. Things such as orange juice, multivitamins, eggs, and leafy greens are good sources of folic acid. The three most common forms of spina bifida are myelomeningocele, meningocele, and spina bifida occulta.
Spina Bifida Occulta is the least severe form of spina bifida. It is very hard to detect without an x-ray because “there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back” (Spina Bifida, CDC); in fact, occulta means ‘hidden’ in latin. Some symptoms include …show more content…
It has many types and ranges of severity, but the general characteristic is a sac of fluid on the spine that may contain part of the spinal cord. Though Spina Bifida isn’t a fatal on it’s own, it can lead to severe conditions and affect a person’s mental and physical developments. The cause is unknown, but taking folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent the disorder. Many treatments are also available, from prenatal surgeries to spinal surgery after birth. While it is treatable, nerve damage can be irreversible and some patients are confined to wheelchairs their entire