Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is the most common disabling birth defect in the United States. It is a type of neural tube defect, which is a problem with the spinal cord or its coverings. It happens if the fetal spinal column doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy. There is usually nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs. Many people with spina bifida will need assistive devices such as braces, crutches or wheelchairs. They may have learning difficulties, urinary and bowel problems or hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain.

There is no cure. Treatments focus on the complications, and can include surgery, medicine and physiotherapy. Taking folic acid can reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida. It's in most multivitamins. Women who could become pregnant should take it daily.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Spina Bifida on Wikipedia

'''''Spina bifida''''' describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine (anatomy), resulting in malformations of the spinal cord. The spinal membranes and spinal cord may protrude through the absence of vertebral arches (called a cleft). These malformations fall into three categories: ''spina bifida occulta'', ''spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele)'' and ''meningocele''. Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect. Neural tube defects can usually be detected during pregnancy by AFP screening or a detailed fetal ultrasound. Spina bifida may be associated with other malformations as in dysmorphic syndromes, often resulting in spontaneous miscarriage. However, in the majority of cases spina bifida is an isolated malformation. Spina bifida has varying prevalence in different human populations. This and extensive evidence from mouse strains with spina bifida suggests a genetic basis. As with other human diseases such as cancer, hypertension and atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), spina bifida likely results from the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Despite much research on spina bifida we still do not know what causes the majority of human cases. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence supporting a significant protective effect of folic acid (0.4mg/day) when taken by women early in pregnancy. It is important to note that spina bifida occurs by the 4th week of pregnancy before many women will be aware of a pregnancy, thus it is generally recommended that women of child-bearing age take a folic acid supplement (most multivitamins contain 0.4mg folic acid) if they are sexually active. Genetic counseling and further genetic testing, such as amniocentesis, may be offered during the pregnancy as some neural tube defects are associated with genetic disorders such as trisomy 18. The most common locations of the malformations are in the lumbar ...   [ Read More ]

External Resources

Samuel's Spina Bifida Surgery In Utero - Miraculous photograph of a twenty-one week old fetus reaching out of his mother's womb to grasp the hand of his surgeon.

Trials, Tribulations & Survival - Written by Louisa, born with spina bifida, offering inspiration for others with the condition.

Altimate Medical - Standers and mobility aids for persons with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and multiple sclerosis.

The Cerebral Palsy Kids Center - A multidisciplinary treatment center for children with all types of developmental disabilities. Areas of specialty include CP, sensory integration dysfunction, torticollis, spina bifida, down syndrome, and autism.

Julia's Journey - Support and information written by a parent of a child with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, for other families who have children with these birth defects.

Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida - Features various information regarding fetal surgery for spina bifida.

Fetal Diagnoses and Treatment at Vanderbilt University - Information about fetal surgery for the repair of spina bifida or myelomeningocele. Includes news, research, statistics, discussion, links and patient tips.

Living with Spina Bifida - Features a chat room, information, pictures, stories, facts, diagrams, and resources for living with Spina Bifida.

SANDI Project - Information about a five year study of the causes and effects of spina bifida.

Spina Bifida Information - Offers information about spina bifida, complete with diagrams and links.

Share your story: