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What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect (a disorder involving
incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or
their protective coverings) caused by the failure of the
fetus's spine to close properly during the first month
of pregnancy. Infants born with SB sometimes have an open
lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves
and spinal cord has occurred. Although the spinal opening
can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve
damage is permanent, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis
of the lower limbs. Even when there is no lesion present
there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae and
accompanying nerve damage. In addition to physical and
mobility difficulties, most individuals have some form
of learning disability. The three most common types of
SB are: myelomeningocele, the severest form, in which the
spinal cord and its protective covering (the meninges)
protrude from an opening in the spine; meningocele in which
the spinal cord develops normally but the meninges protrude
from a spinal opening; and occulta, the mildest form, in
which one or more vertebrae are malformed and covered by
a layer of skin. SB may also cause bowel and bladder complications,
and many children with SB have hydrocephalus (excessive
accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain).
Is
there any 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.
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.
What
is the 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.
To read the rest of this article from the National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, please click
here: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/spina_bifida/spina_bifida.htm
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