Spina Bifida Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Spina bifida is a congenital disorder that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. Spina bifida is part of a group of diseases called neural tube defects.
The neural tube is a structure in the fetus that will develop into the baby’s brain and spinal cord, as well as the tissues that surround them. In general, the neural tube begins to form in the early stages of pregnancy and closes by 28 days after conception.
In babies with spina bifida, part of the neural tube fails to develop or closes completely. This causes abnormalities in the spinal cord and spinal cord.
Spina bifida can vary from mild to severe, depending on the type of disorder that occurs, size, location, and complications. There are several types of spina bifida that can occur, namely spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele.
• Spina bifida occulta
Oculta can be interpreted as hidden. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of spina bifida, and is characterized by a small opening in one or more of the vertebrae.
Most individuals with spina bifida occulta do not know they have it, unless discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other causes.
• Meningocele
In a type of spina bifida called a meningocele, the protective membranes surrounding the spinal nerves push out through the opening in the spine, forming a fluid-filled sac. However, this sac does not include the spinal nerves, so there is little chance of nerve damage.
• Myelomeningocele
Also known as open spina bifida, myelomeningocele is the most severe type. There is a gap that passes through several vertebrae in the middle or lower back.
The spinal membranes and nerves are pushed through the gap at birth, and form a sac on the baby’s back that exposes the tissues and nerves. This makes the baby vulnerable to life-threatening infections.
Spina Bifida Symptoms
Signs and symptoms that occur in spina bifida can vary, depending on the type and degree of severity. Signs and symptoms can also vary from individual to individual.
Spina bifida occult
Because the spinal nerves are not usually involved, there are usually no signs or symptoms. However, certain indications can generally be seen on the baby’s skin over the suspected spinal defect, such as abnormal hair growth, skin dimples, or birthmarks.
Meningocele
The membrane around the spinal nerves pushes outward from the space in the spine, which forms a fluid-filled sac. However, this sac does not include the spinal nerves.
Myelomeningocele
In this severe type of spina bifida, you can see:
• Cleft covering several vertebrae in the middle or lower back
• Sheaths of the spinal nerves that protrude at birth and form a pouch
• Tissues and nerves that are generally exposed, although they may sometimes be covered by skin
Spina Bifida Reason
Until now doctors do not know what causes spina bifida. Like many other disorders, it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including a family history of neural tube defects and folate deficiency.
Several factors are associated with an increased risk of spina bifida are:
· Folate deficiency. Folate (vitamin B9) is important for the healthy development of babies. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9. The synthetic type found in supplements and fortified foods is folic acid. Folate deficiency increases the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Family history of neural tube defects. Couples who have one child with a neural tube defect have a slightly higher chance of having another child with the same defect. The risk increases in couples who have two children with neural tube defects.
Consumption of certain medications during pregnancy. Consumption of several types of medication, such as certain classes of anti-seizure medications, is associated with the risk of developing neural tube defects when consumed during pregnancy. This is thought to be related to the body’s ability to use folate and folic acid.
Diabetes. Women who have diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar levels have a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
Obesity. Obesity before pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida, in the baby.
Increased body temperature. Several scientific studies have shown that an increase in body temperature in the early weeks of pregnancy can increase the risk of spina bifida in babies.
An increase in body temperature due to fever, using a sauna, or taking a hot bath has been associated with an increased risk of developing spina bifida in infants.
Diagnosis
Several tests that can be done during pregnancy to detect spina bifida in the fetus are:
• blood test. The doctor may recommend examining certain contents in the blood, including maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) examination, examination to confirm high levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), as well as other blood tests.
• Ultrasound examination (USG). An ultrasound examination can be performed by obstetricians and obstetricians to check for spina bifida if the results of the AFP examination show high levels.
• Amniocentesis. If the blood test results show high AFP levels but the ultrasound results show no abnormalities, the doctor may recommend an amniocentesis. In this procedure, the doctor uses a needle to take a sample of fluid from the amniotic sac that surrounds the fetus.
Analysis of the sample can show the levels of AFP present in the amniotic fluid. However, it is very important to discuss the benefits and risks of this procedure with your doctor directly before deciding to do it.
Spina Bifida Treatment
Treatment of spina bifida depends on the severity of the condition experienced by the sufferer. Spina bifida occulta generally doesn’t need treatment, but other types of spina bifida can.
Several types of surgery can be performed, both before and after birth. In addition, some types of spina bifida may require surgical delivery.
In addition to treatment for the condition of spina bifida itself, treatment for complications that occur must also be considered.
Prevention
Efforts that can be made to prevent spina bifida is to maintain pregnancy. Folic acid, taken in supplement form and started at least one month before conception and continued throughout the first trimester of pregnancy, is associated with a reduced risk of developing spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
It is very important to ensure that the body contains sufficient levels of folic acid in early pregnancy to prevent spina bifida. Because many women do not realize they are pregnant at this time, experts recommend that women planning a pregnancy take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Several types of food, including certain types of bread, pasta, rice, and some types of cereal, are fortified with 400 micrograms of folic acid per serving.