What is Spina Bifida in Children?

Spina bifida is a congenital defect of the spine. Latin means "split spine."

The disorder occurs in utero, at a point when the neural tube—a collection of cells that develop into the brain and spinal cord—is not closed completely. The result is that the vertebrae that enclose the spine fail to develop correctly. This can lead to physical problems and, in some cases, problems with the brain and learning.

What are the types of spina bifida?

There are three main types of spina bifida:

Spina bifida occulta:This is the mildest and most common of all. Many people never even know they have this. ("Occulta" is Latin for "hidden.") The spinal cord and nerves are generally normal, although there can be a slight defect in the spine. Most often, people only discover that they have SBO because they had an X-ray for some unrelated reason. This type typically does not cause any disability.
Meningocele:This is a rare type of spina bifida condition where a sac of the spinal fluid but not the spinal cord protrudes through an opening in a baby's back. Depending on different individuals, some may have no or few symptoms whilst others have difficulties with bladder and bowel issues.
Myelomeningocele:This is the most serious type of spina bifida. In myelomeningocele, the baby's spinal canal does not normally close along several vertebrae in the back, causing the spinal cord and its protective membranes to push out and form a sac in the baby's back.

What are the symptoms of spina bifida?

Most patients suffering from spina bifida can undergo surgical closing of the opening in the spine.

But the nervous system would have been affected, hence the problems it would be experiencing, such as:

Weakness or paralysis of the legs
Loss of skin sensation in the legs and around the bottom - the child can no longer feel heat or cold and may injure himself unintentionally.
Bowel incontinence along with urinary incontinence.
Most of the babies suffering from this condition will develop hydrocephalus, which can further destroy the brain.
People with spina bifida are usually mentally normal. However, some may also have problems in learning.

What causes spina bifida?

Spina bifida cause is unknown, although several risk factors increase a baby's chance of getting the disorder.

Risk factors that may include:

Low levels of folic acid during pregnancy.
Having a previous family history of spina bifida
Medications: some medicines like valproic acid that are prescribed to prevent seizures also cause an increased risk of babies with spina bifida.

Can spina bifida be diagnosed during pregnancy?

Yes. Spina bifida can be detected in the fetus, though not always. These include:

A blood test: Between the 16th to 18th week of pregnancy, the test measures the level of AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) in the blood. In women with a fetus having spina bifida, the level is higher about 75 to 80%.
An ultrasound (sonogram): Imaging can identify abnormalities in the spinal column of the fetus.
Amniocentesis: Fluid from the uterus is withdrawn through a tube in order to determine the level of protein.

How is spina bifida treated?

Severe forms of spina bifida cannot be treated as it is a disorder causing nerve damage. Badly affected children with worse spina bifida conditions will have to learn about mobility skills and even practice learning how to cope with their bowel and bladder control. Some would need to rely on catheterization to facilitate the easy passing of urine. All of these children will be subject to numerous surgeries that could be necessary throughout life. They would also become reliant on aids such as bracing, crutch walking, and wheelchair use.

Surgery, physiotherapy, and medications can be applied to correct some of the spina bifida-related effects. It may also be administered over a patient's life course to avoid and correct several complications. Children born with spina bifida have learning problems, most particularly those born with hydrocephalus. The difficulties encountered are most often problems with:

Being attentive.
The expression and reception of language.
Organization.
The ability to sequence.
Arithmetic and the ability to understand reading.
Although there is no known cause, experts believe that spina bifida can easily be avoided through some simple measures to be followed:
Folic acid is one of the water-soluble B vitamins commonly observed in leafy green vegetables. It is extremely useful in preventing spina bifida. Observance in women during childbearing years with a daily consumption of such a vitamin containing 400 mcg or 0.4 mg of folic acid has been reported to decrease spina bifida by as much as 75%.
Let your physician know about any prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal and dietary supplements, and vitamins you may be taking.
Stay out of hot tubs or saunas where the temperature increases your body.
Self-medicate any fever by using a store brand of acetaminophen or the name brand Tylenol®.
If you have diabetes or obesity, make sure to do your best to manage these conditions during pregnancy.

What is the outlook for people with spina bifida?

Spina bifida varies from very mild to severe. Some have no symptoms, while others are limited in movement and learning development. It just depends on the case of the individual and the medical situation at birth.

Help is available for all children who have spina bifida, and with proper care, most can lead active lives.

Why Choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for spina bifida treatment in children in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital has the most trusted team of Pediatric Urologists with advanced diagnostic equipment and child-friendly care for pediatric spina bifida treatment in Lucknow, India. Our Pediatric Urology department follows international safety standards and has years of experience in successfully managing children's Urological diseases.