Spina bifida

Description Spina bifida is the...

Description

Spina bifida is the incomplete closure of the spinal canal that occurs during fetal development (growth of the child during pregnancy). The incomplete closure may be a simple opening in the bones of the spinal column (spina bifida occulta), a protrusion of the covering of the spinal cord (meningocele) or a protrusion of the spinal cord itself (myelomeningocele). The chance of getting spina bifida is greatly reduced if the pregnant mother consumes an adequate amount of folic acid.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the severity of disease. Numbness and muscle weakness can occur below the affected part of the spine. Untreated there can be brain swelling that causes vision difficulty, learning problems and seizures.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. During a woman's pregnancy prenatal screening will be performed to check for spina bifida and other birth defects. These tests could be in the form of a blood test, ultrasound and / or amniocentesis (fluid sample from the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby).

Tests:
Ultrasound

Other Specific Tests: Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), amniocentesis

Specialists:
Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)

Treatment

Treatment usually involves surgery to close the opening in the spine. Some individuals require a surgery called a shunt that places a tube between the brain and the abdomen to decrease brain swelling. Devices such as braces and wheelchairs can improve mobility.