Spina bifida (sb) is a neural tube defect involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and / or their protective coverings. It occurs when the bones that form the spine fail to fully close, resulting in the spinal cord protruding through the opening in the vertebrae. Myelomeningocele, the most severe form, may include: muscle weakness or paralysis below the area of the spine where the incomplete closure (or cleft) occurs
Spina bifida (sb) is a neural tube defect involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and / or their protective coverings. It occurs when the bones that form the spine fail to fully close, resulting in the spinal cord protruding through the opening in the vertebrae. Myelomeningocele, the most severe form, may include: muscle weakness or paralysis below the area of the spine where the incomplete closure (or cleft) occurs
Spina bifida (sb) is a neural tube defect involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and / or their protective coverings. It occurs when the bones that form the spine fail to fully close, resulting in the spinal cord protruding through the opening in the vertebrae. Myelomeningocele, the most severe form, may include: muscle weakness or paralysis below the area of the spine where the incomplete closure (or cleft) occurs
PATHOLOGYCAL It occurs between days 24 and 28 of gestation (after union of the egg and sperm),
Usually before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
Myelomeningocele (the most common and most severe form of spina bifida) results when the bones that form the spine (vertebrae) fail to fully close.
As a result, the spinal cord protrudes through the opening in the vertebrae, and the baby is born with a fluid-filled sac on its back.
PATHOLOGYCAL PATHOLOGYCAL INCIDENCE
Approximately 40% of all Americans may have spina bifida occulta,
"spina bifida manifesta," 1/1000 births. 4% have the meningocele form, 96% have myelomeningocele form.
SYMPTOMS
spina bifida occulta : may cause no symptoms at all, but can cause a range of neurological problems. myelomeningocele, the most serious form of spina bifida, may include: muscle weakness or paralysis below the area of the spine where the incomplete closure (or cleft) occurs,
SYMPTOMS loss of sensation below the cleft, and loss of bowel and bladder control. (70%-90%) of children born with myelomeningocele have hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus may occur without spina bifida, but the two conditions often occur together. Diagnosis Before a child is born, blood tests and amniocentesis, can indicate the presence of neural tube defects. Ultrasound is used to confirm the diagnosis. In children with spina bifida occulta, a tuft of hair or a dimple may indicate the site of the defect.
Diagnosis Neurological examination will be conducted to assess the level of impairment. Further tests to assess the defect after birth include : Spinal x-rays, Ultrasound, MRI CT scans.
Treatment
There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. Treatment for the variety of effects of SB may include surgery, medication, and physiotherapy. Many individuals with SB will need assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. Ongoing therapy, medical care, and/or surgical treatments may be necessary to prevent and manage complications throughout the individual's life. Treatment
Surgery to close the newborn's spinal opening is generally performed within 24 hours after birth to minimize the risk of infection and to preserve existing function in the spinal cord. Examination and surgery may be required to address orthopedic and urologic problems. Learning disabilities and developmental delays are common. long-term rehabilitation often is required after surgery
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with SB depends on the number and severity of abnormalities.
Prognosis is poorest for those with complete paralysis, hydrocephalus, and other congenital defects.
With proper care, most children with SB live well into adulthood.
Prevention The risk for acquiring spina bifida can be reduced by consumption of folic
Folic acid deficiency in a woman should be corrected before prenancy, as the disorder starts at the early phase of
For women who are planning their pregnancy are recommended to consume folic acid at 0.4mg/day.the folic acid requirement for pregnant women are 1mg/day.