WHAT IS SPINA BIFIDA

Spina bifida is a common birth defect which can cause permanent disability. So what is spina bifida?

This is a neural tube defect where the spine of a baby fails to develop properly and to close by the third month of gestation. At birth, a part of the spinal cord will protrude exposing nerves and tissue making the baby prone to life threatening infections.

There are three types of the disease; the least harmful type is Occulta where there is a small defect in the vertebrae and no damage to the nerves or exposure of the spinal cord.

This is very mild and many don’t even know they have it. Meningocele also has no nerve damage but a person can suffer minor disabilities. The most severe form is Myelomeningocele where there is nerve damage that could lead to paralysis, bowel and bladder problems and seizures.

The exact cause for this is still unknown but is believed to be caused by a combination of genetical and environment factors such as folic acid deficiency during the early stages of pregnancy.

Treatment varies depending on the severity and usually the severe cases need surgery and ongoing care afterwards.