Spina bifida

Spina bifida describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine, 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.

Effects

Spina bifida results in varying degrees of paralysis, absence of skin sensation, incontinence, and spine and limb problems depending on the severity and location of the lesion damage on the spine. In very rare cases, cognitive problems also result.

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Most babies born with the condition will need surgeries to correct spinal, foot or leg problems, shunt surgery to drain fluid from the brain, application of techniques to control bladder and bowel function (such as self-catherization or diapers), and braces and other equipment to assist in walking.

Related Topics:
Shunt - Self-catherization - Diaper

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Tethered cord, with symptoms such as lower body pain, leg weakness, incontinence, scoliosis, numbness, is a common problem associated with spina bifida. Indeed 100% of spina bifida myelomeningocele patients have tethered cord, caused by the spinal cord damage when it is repaired by surgery soon after birth, and the resulting natural scar tissue buildup. However many do not show symptoms of tethered cord until later in life or never at all. Before MRIs were invented Tethered Cord could only be detected through symptoms or surgery and therefore those born before the invention of the MRI, and without symptoms, may not know they have it, or even what it is. If, or when, symptoms show up later in life it can often be a difficult process to discover the correct diagnosis, by which time further damage has been done.

Related Topics:
Tethered cord - Incontinence - Scoliosis

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According to the Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA), over 73% of people with spina bifida develop an allergy to latex, ranging from mild to life-threatening. The prevalance of latex in medical facilities makes this a particularly serious concern.

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