A birth abnormality known as spina bifida, also known as a “cleft spine,” is characterized by malformations of the brain, spinal cord, and the coverings of these structures. This is arguably one of the most common ailments that affect the neural tube in the United States.
Spina Bifida develops when the developing fetus does not have adequate development of the spinal column. The incidence of spina bifida ranges from one to ten cases per every 10,000 live births.
Spina bifida can range in severity from minor to severe. Walking and other activities that one usually does in a day are unaffected by the condition, while it is in its moderate version.The flaw is not detectable to the naked eye and does not need to be treated. However, severe cases of spina bifida can result in walking difficulties, as well as visible physical characteristics such as skin that protrudes at the back and exposed nerves.
Table of Contents
Types of Spina Bifida
Occulta, Closed neural tube defects, Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele are the four subtypes of spina bifida. The fourth subtype is called myelomeningocele.
The most typical manifestation of this condition is called spina bifida occulta, and it is also the least severe kind.
The physical abnormality is masked and concealed by the surrounding skin in this scenario. Between 10 and 18 percent of the general population is affected by this condition. Because the spinal cord and the nerves are unaffected, the individual in question does not, as a rule, have any kind of health condition.
Closed neural tube defects are characterized by a variety of abnormalities that can be found in the spinal cord. These abnormalities include malformations of the membranes, bones, and fatty tissue. In some people, the condition may not manifest any symptoms at all, however in others, it may manifest as partial paralysis or dysfunction in the urinary system.
Meningocele is characterised by the protrusion through the vertebral opening of the protective covering of the spinal cord known as the “meninges.” It appears like fluid is leaking out of the spine, and there is a prominent bulge at the back of the patient’s body. In the vast majority of cases, there are no additional symptoms.
The fourth variety, known as myelomeningocele, is the most hazardous form, with consequences that have the potential to be lethal. This takes place when the spinal cord and nerves are exposed, which occurs when an opening in the spine is created. This version of the condition is extremely uncommon, but it is characterized by major symptoms such as motor paralysis, the inability to walk, abnormalities in the urine and digestive systems, and sensory deficiencies.
Spina Bifida – Causes
The reason why some people are born with spina bifida is still a mystery. There is no clear explanation for why the neural tube is exposed at this stage in development.The majority of specialists agree that it can be traced back to both genetics and the environment.
Women who are diabetic or obese have an increased risk of having a child who is born with this condition.
In addition, the risk of having another child affected by spina bifida increases for mothers who have already delivered a child with the condition.
It is also thought that nutrition may play an important part in the process.
Spina bifida is more likely to occur in a child if the mother does not consume an adequate amount of folic acid during pregnancy.
Spina bifida – signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of spina bifida can vary greatly from one individual to the next depending on the degree to which the condition has developed.
This condition, as a matter of fact, is accompanied by an aberrant clump of hair, a dimple, or anything else odd on the skin near the site of the spinal deformity.
When the condition is severe, there may be a sac filled with fluid that protrudes from the spinal canal.
This fluid sac may be filled with a thin layer of skin in meningocele; however, in myelomeningocele, the area is not covered with the layer of skin and is typically exposed. In meningocele, the fluid sac may be filled with skin.
The child may also experience muscle weakness or partial paralysis in the areas below the faulty spinal column. These symptoms may be caused by the abnormal spinal column.
Loss of sensation and an inability to control one’s spinal column are two more symptoms that accompany severe occurrences of the condition.
When the nerves that leave the spinal cord and travel to the rest of the body do not work correctly, this condition causes the symptoms that you are experiencing. Myelomeningocele in children can also create a condition known as hydrocephalus, which refers to an accumulation of fluid in the brain.
A person with spinal bifida may also have trouble reading, having difficulty comprehending mathematical ideas, having difficulties organizing information, and having problems learning or expressing themselves through spoken language.
Spina bifida is frequently accompanied with a variety of additional anomalies, including but not limited to heart deformities, improper brain development, latex allergy, skin disorders, scoliosis, obesity, and a few more.
Spina Bifida – Diagnosis and Treatment
Spina bifida is typically detected shortly after birth when doctors notice an abnormal sac at the back of the baby’s spine. As a matter of fact, a test known as alpha-fetoprotein can be used during pregnancy to detect this condition, and the outcome of that test shows that in this particular instance, it is greater than what is considered to be normal.
Should it be necessary, the physician may also request that an ultrasound and an amniocentesis be performed.
The only time therapy is necessary for spina bifida is when it progresses to a severe stage and surgery is required to close the opening in the spine.
Shunting is yet another well-known treatment option for removing extra fluid from the brain and bringing hydrocephalus under control. Antibiotics are a form of treatment that can be utilized to protect against spinal cord infections.
Spina Bifida – Life Expectancy
There are a great number of misconceptions concerning the average lifespan.
A baby who is born with spina bifida will not live through their childhood; however, if the condition is in its mildest form and the child does not have any other birth defects, the child has a possibility of reaching their early childhood with a survival rate of 70 percent.
The life expectancy of males and females who have spina bifida is typically the same under normal circumstances, provided that there are no difficulties involved.
If a bladder infection and pressure sores are under control, and if disorders like hydrocephalus are appropriately managed, then normal functioning should be restored.
Spina bifida is no longer a fatal condition, at least not in industrialized countries, which have an adequate supply of shunts and antibiotics accessible to treat the condition.
According to the statistics available in 2001, at least seventy-five percent of children who were born with the most severe type of this condition survived into early adulthood, and some of them lived for more than a decade.
However, in order for them to thrive as adults, they required assistance and support.
At least ninety percent of people diagnosed with spina bifida are said to have a life expectancy of at least 35 years, as stated by medical specialists.
Authoritative Clinical References
Spina Bifida – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559265/
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