It is a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or their protective coverings.
The spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, but the nerve damage is permanent.
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There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired.
Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect (a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or their protective coverings) caused by the failure of the fetus' spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. Infants born with SB sometimes have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred.
Although the spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs. Even when there is no lesion present there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae and accompanying nerve damage. In addition to physical and mobility difficulties, most individuals have some form of learning disability.
The three most common types of SB are:
Myelomeningocele, the severest form, in which the spinal cord and its protective covering (the meninges) protrude from an opening in the spine;
Meningocele in which the spinal cord develops normally but the meninges protrude from a spinal opening and
Occulta, the mildest form, in which one or more vertebrae are malformed and covered by a layer of skin.
SB may also cause bowel and bladder complications and many children with SB have hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain).
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with SB depends on the number and severity of abnormalities. Prognosis is poorest for those with complete paralysis, hydrocephalus and other congenital defects. With proper care, most children with SB live well into adulthood.
Treatment
There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. Treatment for the variety of effects of SB may include surgery, medication and physiotherapy. Many individuals with SB will need assistive devices such as braces, crutches or wheelchairs.
Ongoing therapy, medical care and/or surgical treatments may be necessary to prevent and manage complications throughout the individual's life.
Surgery to close the newborn's spinal opening is generally performed within 24 hours after birth to minimise the risk of infection and to preserve existing function in the spinal cord.
Prevention
It is advised that pregnant women should take Folic Acid supplements as a precautionary measure.
Reviewed by Dr Andrew Rose-Innes, MD, Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven.
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