Spina bifida is a birth defect of the spinal cord neural tube. Normally the first month of fetal development during pregnancy, specific embryonic cells curl and fuse together to form a narrow tube that’s the spinal cord’s foundation.
However, should the neural tube fail to close properly anywhere along the length of the developing spine, then the spinal cord is left unprotected and vulnerable to damage at the site of the opening. So essentially, the failure to close is what causes the birth defect referred to as spina bifida.
Exactly why complete closure of the neural tube causing spina bifida birth defect happens is a mystery, although it’s suspected that genetic, nutritional and environmental factors might play a role. In fact, studies indicate an insufficient dietary intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy is a key factor in causing spina bifida, as well as other neural tube defects. This birth defect is one reason prenatal vitamins containing at least 400 mcg of vitamin B9 is highly recommended before and after you become pregnant.
Other recommends before and during early pregnancy are:
- treat fever right away during early pregnancy
- avoid overheating environments during pregnancy ~ hot tub, sauna
- gain control over health conditions ahead of pregnancy ~ diabetes, obesity
- review all prescription & OTC drugs, vitamins, supplements you take with your health care provider
Spina bifida is often typed into occulta, closed neural tube defects, meningocele and myelomeningocele. This health condition causes varying symptoms depending on the type and how far up the spinal cord the birth defect occurs. The higher the malformation typically results in more extensive nerve damage.
Symptoms usually occur below the neural tube defect and range from:
Some with spina bifida experience no symptoms at all. While others may suffer additional complications of this spinal cord condition, like:
- obesity
- tendinitis
- meningitis
- depression
- skin problems
- hydrocephalus
- learning disabilities
- Chiari malformation
- gastrointestinal disorders
During pregnancy, there are prenatal tests to check for spina bifida and other birth defects, such as AFP, ultrasound and amniocentesis.
Although the spine opening can be repaired shortly after birth, any pre-existing nerve damage is permanent. In some cases, this surgical treatment may be performed before birth.
Other forms of treatment for spina bifida include additional surgeries, medication and physiotherapy. Also assistive devices can be very helpful with movement, e.g. brace, crutches, walker or wheelchair.
Spina bifida is incurable, so the primary goal of spinal cord treatment is to counteract the birth defect’s mental and physical limitations.