Spina Bifida

pregnant woman taking vitamins

Spina Bifida is a condition where, during development in the very first month of pregnancy, the spinal cord does not completely close. Spina Bifida is estimated to occur in nearly 7 out of every 10,000 live births in the United States. Exact figures are not available due to the possibility of under reporting.


Spina Bifida: Three Forms


Myelomeningocele occurs when the protective covering of the spinal cord, the meninges and spinal nerves protrude from the spinal cord. This type of Spina Bifida is classified as the most serious type because it almost always causes nerve damage and severe disabilities. An area on the spinal cord and skin is open and visible.


Meningocele type Spina Bifida is similar to myelomeningocele except only the meninges protrude from the spine. It generally is an open area on the back with a pouch filled with cerebrospinal fluid. This type usually includes only minor, if any, disabilities.


boy in wheelchair


Occulta Spina Bifida is the most common form and is sometimes referred to as “hidden Spina Bifida”. There is no opening in the back and the spinal cord and nerves appear normal. This form of Spina Bifida is so mild, some people can go their entire lives and not realize they even have it. During development, there may be a small gap in the vertebrae of spine. This is generally harmless, but some neurological deterioration can be spotted as a child ages or later in adulthood. Every woman of child bearing age has the potential to become pregnant with a child who suffers from neural tube defects.


Risk Factors for Spina Bifida


The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention list the following known risk factors for neural tube defects:


A previous neural tube defect affected pregnancy increases a woman’s chance of having another neural tube defect affected pregnancy by nearly 20 times.


Maternal insulin-dependent diabetes


Use of certain anti-seizure medications


Medically diagnosed obesity


High temperatures in early pregnancy (hot tub use and fevers)


Race/ethnicity- Neural tube defects are more common among white women than black women and more common among Hispanic women than non-Hispanic women.


Low socioeconomic status


pregnant woman getting an ultrasound


A child is usually diagnosed with Spina Bifida in-utero. If a child is diagnosed with a severe form, they are generally operated on within twenty four hours of birth to decrease infection and to preserve spinal cord function. Occulta Spina Bifida usually requires no treatment. Doctors and researchers believe that if every woman consumed a multi-vitamin that included folic acid before they became pregnant, the risk of Spin Bifida would dramatically decrease. It is recommended by the Spina Bifida Association that all women of child bearing age should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. This is due, in part, to the fact that many pregnancies are unplanned. Living with Spina Bifida comes with some special considerations. While children with occulta Spina Bifida may have no limitations, children with menegocele and myelomeningocele may have some neurological and mobility impairments. Parents need to work closely with doctors, other caregivers and professionals to help give their child the best possible advantage.


Due to increased knowledge and awareness, children with Spina Bifida can and do grow up to lead happy and productive lives. Children should be encouraged to be as independent as possible and be involved in their own care. This is currently no cure for Spina Bifida. The best known way to help prevent Spina Bifida and other major birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord is the use of folic acid before and during pregnancy.


Resource:www.marchofdimes.org