All You Need to Know About Spina Bifida: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Spina Bifida?

Spina‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ bifida is a neural tube defect of the spine that develops when the baby's spine and spinal cord are not properly closed during the first few weeks of pregnancy. It may also indirectly affect other parts of the body, like vertebrae, and the nerves that are nearby. In the most extreme instances, the sac that is filled with fluid might be protruding through the ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌opening.

Types of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida can be categorised into three main types:1. Spina Bifida Occulta: This is the mildest form. The spinal cord remains in place, and there might be no visible symptoms. Some babies might have a small dimple or patch of hair on their lower back rather than a fluid-filled sac. 2. Meningocele:

In this type, a sac of fluid protrudes through an opening in the spine, but the spinal cord mostly remains intact. To repair the opening, surgeries can be done. 3. Myelomeningocele: This is the most severe type. Part of the spinal cord and nerves protrudes through the opening, forming a sac on the back. Performing surgery on the foetus before they are born is another option that has been proven to prevent further damage and improve outcomes.

Why does it happen?

There is no single cause known for it yet. But it mostly happens due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. The development of the neural tube depends partly on adequate levels of folate, or vitamin B9. When levels are low in a pregnant person's body, the risk of spina bifida increases.Other causes may include certain medications, maternal diabetes, obesity, and a family history of neural tube defects. Some research suggests that exposure to high temperatures early in pregnancy, from a fever or using a sauna or hot tub, might increase spina bifida risk.

How It’s Diagnosed

Most of the cases of spina bifida can be spotted before birth. Sometimes ultrasound scans can detect the spinal issue, and blood tests may reveal higher levels of a protein called AFP, which suggests a neural tube defect. If it gets diagnosed early, then it gives parents a chance to plan for care and treatment after birth.

Management and Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is. If it's mild, little intervention might be needed. Whereas for serious cases, surgery soon after birth can close the opening in the spine and prevent infection. If the baby has myelomeningocele, the surgeon will put the tissue and spinal cord back inside the baby's body and cover it with skin.There‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ might be situations where some children require the use of a wheelchair, need physical therapy, or have to be supported continuously in matters of bladder and bowel control. In some cases, surgery can be done before the mother gives birth, which might prevent future complications. Regular check-ups and support from a team of specialists—like paediatricians, therapists, and neurologists—help children reach their potential.