An abnormal formation of the spine and spinal cord can result in spina bifida. This kind of neural tube defect exists. The structure in a growing embryo known as the neural tube gives rise to the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues in an adult. KD Blossom is a gynecology hospital in Ahmedabad whose experts are well-trained and have years of experience in battling spina bifida.

The neural tube normally develops early in pregnancy and shuts on the 28th day following conception. In infants suffering from spina bifida, part of the neural tube remains open. This impacts the spinal cord and spine’s bones.

The severity of spina bifida can vary, resulting in mild to severe disability. The location and size of the incision on the spine determine the symptoms. The involvement of the spinal cord and nerves affects the symptoms as well. Surgery is sometimes required as part of the early therapy for spina bifida. Surgery, though, doesn’t usually fully replace lost function.

What Are The Types?

There are three different forms of spina bifida: meningocele, myelomeningocele, and spina bifida occulta.

Spina Bifida Occulta

Occulta signifies concealed. Occult spina bifida is the most prevalent and mildest kind. One or more of the vertebrae, or minor separations or gaps in the spine’s bones, are the outcome of this type of spina bifida. Many patients with spina bifida occulta are unaware that they have the condition. It might be discovered during an imaging test that is performed for another purpose, such as an X-ray.

Myelomeningocele

The most dangerous kind is called myelomeningocele. Another name for it is open spina bifida. In the lower or middle back, there are multiple vertebrae where the spinal canal is exposed. A portion of the spinal cord pushes through this opening at birth to form a sac on the baby’s back, along with the spinal cord’s protective covering and spinal nerves. Nerves and tissues are typically visible. This increases the infant’s risk of serious infections. This kind may also result in bowel and bladder problems, as well as loss of leg movement.

Meningocele

This kind of spina bifida is uncommon. In this kind, a spinal fluid sac protrudes through a vertebral hole. The spinal cord is not inside the fluid sac, and no nerves are impacted. Infants suffering from meningocele may experience mild difficulties with their bodily functions, such as the bowels and bladder.

The Symptoms

Spina bifida symptoms differ in type and between individuals.

• Spina Bifida Occulta: Because the spinal nerves aren’t affected, spina bifida occulta usually doesn’t create any symptoms. However, symptoms may appear on the skin of the infant above the tiny spinal space. A hair tuft, a tiny indentation, or a blemish could be visible. These skin lesions may occasionally be signs of a spinal cord problem that a newborn’s MRI or spinal ultrasonography can detect.
• Myelomeningocele: The spinal canal is still exposed along many lower or middle back vertebrae in this most severe form of spina bifida. At birth, a sac is formed by the membranes with a portion of the spinal cord or nerves protruding. Though the skin may occasionally conceal the sac, tissues and nerves are typically visible. This kind of spina bifida can cause problems for a baby’s bowel and bladder functions. They could also feel as though their legs are weak or immobile. Hydrocephalus, a collection of fluid in the brain that can press against brain tissue in babies, is a possible condition.
• Meningocele: This kind could impair bowel and bladder functions.

What Are The Causes?

Unknown is the cause of spina bifida. The illness is believed to be caused by a confluence of environmental, dietary, and genetic risk factors. This includes receiving insufficient folate (also known as vitamin B-9) during pregnancy and having a family history of neural tube abnormalities.

The Risk Factors

The prevalence of spina bifida is higher among white and Hispanic populations. Furthermore, female babies are more frequently impacted than male babies. Researchers and medical experts are unsure of the exact cause of spina bifida, however, they have discovered certain risk factors:

• Too Little Folate In The Pregnant Person’s Body: The natural form of vitamin B-9, folate, is essential for a healthy baby’s growth. The synthetic version of folic acid is present in fortified meals and supplements. A folate deficit is when levels of the vitamin are abnormally low. A deficit in folate raises the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube disorders.
• Family History Of Neural Tube Defects: The likelihood of producing another child with the same neural tube abnormality is marginally increased when one child has the issue. If the illness has impacted two prior children, the risk rises even further. Additionally, the risk of giving birth to a kid with spina bifida increases if one has a neural tube defect from birth. On the other hand, the majority of spina bifida newborns are born to parents who have no known family history of the disorder.

Conclusion

Myelomeningocele is typically identified before or shortly after birth when healthcare is accessible. A team of gynecologists in Ahmedabad at KD Blossom should monitor children with this illness for the rest of their lives. Families might receive education regarding the various complications to be aware of.

Most of the time, spina bifida occulta in children is asymptomatic. Usually, these kids just require standard pediatric care.