Scientific and Common Name

Scientific name as well as common name is Spina Bifida

However the 3 types are calledSpina Bifida Occulta-

HiddenMeningocele-

Meninges push through hole of the back

Myelomeningocele-Spinal cord and meningies push through hole of the back

Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net

Cause and Transmitted Spina Bifida is caused by the failure

of the babies spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy

Most cases there is no familial connection

Low levels of folic acid before and during pregnancy possibly partake in the cause

Consume 0.4 mg per day through out first trimester Eggs, Orange juice, Dark green leafy vegetables

Theory that viruses might play a role, since there is a higher rate of this defect in newborns during winter months

High fever in pregnancy may increase a woman’s risk

Women with epilepsy who have taken Valpriolic acid increases risk as well

Targeted Population No specific targeted population, anyone

can get it 1 out of 800 babies are affected To reduce changes, it is

recommended to take folic acid

Women who have epilepsyand take valpriolc acid to control seizures have a higher risk

Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net

Where and How

This condition can affect the entire length on the CNS, including the brain as well as the entire spine

Most cases have lots of brain abnormalities, resulting in hydrocephalus

Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net

Symptoms Spina Bifida Occulta has no outward signs or

symptoms besides a birthmark on the lower spine

Spina Bifida ManifestaLoss of bladder/bowel controlLoss of sensationPossibly paralysis of legsWeakness in hips, legs, and feetPossible abnormalities in feetHydrocephalusMeningitisUTI’s

Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net

Prognosis Most individuals live well into adulthood

depending on how bad their condition is Usually this condition can be surgically

corrected if needed Problems occur later in life, as the individual

hits puberty-More loss of function-Orthopedic problems-Foot/ankle deformities-Dislocation of hips

Most individuals use a wheelchair,walker, or crutches

Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net

Vaccine or Treatment

There is currently no cure or vaccine for this disorder Spina Bifida Occulta is hidden and leaves people unaffected There are two common treatments for Spina Bifida Manifesta

-Prenatal- Surgery is taken place between 19 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. The uterus is opened up to where the baby’s back is in sight and the sac is removed. The fetus and mother are then examined and followed up with weekly ultrasounds. There is a planned cesarean birth at 37 weeks.

-Postnatal- The same surgery is taken place but 24 to 48 hours after a cesarean birth at 37 weeks. A cesarean birth is planned incase a sac is present.

Prenatal treatment is proven to be the most beneficial though most dangerous

Educational Resource about Spina Bifida http://www.spinabifida.net

©2011 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Visit www.chop.edu for more information.

Resources

http://www.spinabifida.net An educational resource about Spina Bifida