Spina Bifida is a complex condition that affects thousands of people worldwide. It is a neural tube defect that occurs when the spinal cord and its protective covering do not develop properly during fetal development. The condition is known to cause a range of physical and neurological symptoms, which can significantly impact the quality of life of affected persons. October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time when we focus on educating the public about the condition and how it affects people. This article aims to provide an overview of Spina Bifida, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods.
Spinal defects have been recorded throughout history, with depictions found in statues and artifacts from ancient civilizations. However, it wasn't until the Classical Period of Hippocrates that descriptive writings about these defects emerged. The first known description of spina bifida was by Nicolas Tulp in 1653, who proposed the term and described it as a vertebral anomaly. Surgeons attempted to treat spina bifida from the 1600s to the mid-1800s, but without success. In the mid-1800s, Dr. James Morton's technique of injecting an iodine and glycerine solution into the sac proved successful. In 1973, the Spina Bifida Association of America was formed, providing information and support to families affected by spina bifida. Today, efforts to better treat this condition continue through events and fundraisers held during the official month of October.
Spina Bifida is a birth defect that affects the spinal cord and its protective covering. It occurs when the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord in the developing fetus, fails to close completely during the first month of pregnancy. This results in a gap or opening in the spine, through which the spinal cord and its protective covering protrude. The severity of the condition varies, with some people experiencing mild symptoms, while others have severe disabilities.
Spina bifida is the most common, permanently disabling birth defect. In 2005, the CDC approximated that about 18 cases of myelomeningocele per 100,000 live births occur in the United States. The Spina Bifida Association conservatively estimates that there are 70,000 people living in the United States with the condition. The prevalence appears to have decreased in recent years due in part to preventative measures followed by expectant mothers prior to and during pregnancy as well as prenatal testing. The risk of having a second affected child increases to 2-3% and 10% for a third child.
Although scientists believe that genetic and environmental factors may act together to cause spina bifida, 95% of babies with spina bifida are born to parents with no family history. Women with certain chronic health problems, including diabetes and seizure disorders (treated with certain anticonvulsant medications), have an increased risk (approximately 1/100) of having a baby with spina bifida.
There are three main types of Spina Bifida, each with its own set of symptoms and severity levels.
When people talk about spina bifida, most often they are referring to myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged. This type of spina bifida causes moderate to severe disabilities, such as problems affecting how the person goes to the bathroom, loss of feeling in the person’s legs or feet, and not being able to move the legs.
Another type of spina bifida is meningocele. With meningocele a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. But, the spinal cord is not in this sac. There is usually little or no nerve damage. This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities.
Spina bifida occulta is the mildest type of spina bifida. It is sometimes called “hidden” spina bifida. With it, there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back. The spinal cord and the nerves usually are normal. Many times, spina bifida occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood. This type of spina bifida usually does not cause any disabilities.
The exact cause of Spina Bifida is unknown, but research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors may play a role (which also still needs to be studied further). However, we do know that there are ways for women to reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida both before and during her pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or could get pregnant, use the following tips to help prevent your baby from having spina bifida:
Spina bifida happens in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant. Although folic acid is not a guarantee that a woman will have a healthy pregnancy, taking folic acid can help reduce a woman’s risk of having a pregnancy affected by spina bifida. Because half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, it is important that all women who can become pregnant take 400 mcg of folic acid daily.
Spina bifida can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. Spina bifida occulta might not be diagnosed until late childhood or adulthood, or might never be diagnosed.
During pregnancy there are screening tests (prenatal tests) to check for spina bifida and other birth defects. Talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about this prenatal testing.
In some cases, spina bifida might not be diagnosed until after the baby is born.
Sometimes there is a hairy patch of skin or a dimple on the baby’s back that is first seen after the baby is born. A doctor can use an image scan, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT, to get a clearer view of the baby’s spine and the bones in the back.
Sometimes spina bifida is not diagnosed until after the baby is born because the mother did not receive prenatal care or an ultrasound did not show clear pictures of the affected part of the spine.
There is no cure for Spina Bifida, but there are various treatments available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of affected individuals. Not all people born with spina bifida have the same needs, so treatment will be different for each person. Some people have problems that are more serious than others. People with myelomeningocele and meningocele will need more treatments than people with spina bifida occulta.
Yes, Spina Bifida can be detected during pregnancy through ultrasound or other prenatal tests.
There is no cure for Spina Bifida, but there are various treatments available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of affected individuals.
Spina Bifida can be inherited from parents who carry a specific gene mutation, but in most cases, the condition occurs spontaneously without any family history.
Observing Spina Bifida Awareness Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness, provide support, and educate others about this condition. Here are some ways to observe Spina Bifida Awareness Month:
Remember, Spina Bifida Awareness Month is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and improve the lives of individuals living with this condition. By raising awareness and supporting the cause, we can promote inclusivity and better understanding in our communities.
Spina Bifida is a complex condition that affects thousands of people worldwide. October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time when we focus on educating the public about the condition and how it affects people. While there is no cure for Spina Bifida, there are various treatments available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of affected individuals. Pregnant women can also take several measures to reduce the risk of their baby developing the condition. By raising awareness and understanding of Spina Bifida, we can help support those affected by the condition and work towards preventing it in the future.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4898641/
https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/
https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Spina-Bifida
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/spinabifida/facts.html