Childhood Diseases
Spina Bifida
What is Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida is congenital defect of the spine in which part of the spinal cord and its membranes are exposed through a gap in the backbone. It occurs when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not form properly around part of the baby’s spinal cord.
Is Spina Bifida genetic ?
This diseaseas is genetic. occurs in people with no history of the disorder in their family however, the condition does not have a clear pattern of inheritance.The people who have this have a higher risk of the condition compared with people in general.
How commen it is
This birth effect varies among different regoins and ethic grouops. In the US its more common in Hipanics and non Hipanic white then african americans.
How can you tell if your baby has Spina Bifida
Doctor can tell if the baby has this birth effect by how the babys back looks , they can do a few test likeX- rays, MRI, or CT scan to see if it is the defect is mild or severe. they are two types of it . witch a child could have it were is severe or mild.
sypmtopms
It depends on how severe the defect is. if its mild your child may not have any symptoms or problems , or may have dimple, a birthmark or a hairy patch on his or her back. In severe cases, you may see nerves coming child’s back or swelling on the spine. may have nerve demage that will affect daily living. may have little or no feeling in the legs,feet, or arms and may not be abloe to move those parts.
Treatment for it
It can be treated with surgery, medication, and physiotherapy. It depends if its mild or servere. If its mild they will not need treatment, although some children may require surgery as they grow.