Spina Bifida
Split spine
WHAT IS IT ?
It is caused by failure of the spinal cord to develop properly
- occurs when the neural tube is not formed properly
- The bones of spinal column and muscle fail surround the spinal cord properly
3 Types
1. Spinal Bifida occulta: mildest form, one or more vertebrae are malformed, covered by a layer of skin
2.A meningocele: occurs when the meninges extend out of an opening in the vertebrae
3. A myelomeningocele: the most severe form of spina bifida in which the spinal cord and the meninges extend out of an opening in the vertebrae
SYMPTOMS
- seen above the skin
- abnormal tuft of hair
- birthmark
- protruding spinal cord tissue
- bed wetting
- leaking of urine
- U.T.I
- muscle weakness
- stiff muscles
- overactive reflexes
- brown spot on the skin
- hunched back
- intellectual disability
- nerve injury
- paralysis
- physical deformity
Common Birth defect
Cant be cured, but treatment may help
It can last for years or be lifelong
No exact cause
Environmental and genetic factors play roles but no one knows exactly what causes it
Occurance
Occurs 1 to 2 of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S
Its a rare disorder
TREATMENTS
Not cured but certain things may help
- Back Brace
- Spinal surgery
- Urinary diversion
- Spinal fusion
- Enema