Spina Bifida

Thomas B. King, M. Ed.Hospital Education ProgramVCU Health Care System

Definition of Spina Bifida (SB)

Spina Bifida is a disorder involving incomplete

development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their

protective coverings

Other defined considerations Failure of the fetus’s spine to “close”

properly during the first month of pregnancy

May be surgically repaired shortly after birth, but the nerve damage is permanent

Nerve damage results in varying degrees of paralysis to lower extremities

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Causes

Occurs in utero No known cause It is believed that folic acid

deficiency plays a role

Levels of severity or types of SB

Myelomeningocele – the severest form, the spinal cord and the protective covering protrude

Meningocele – only the menignes protrude

Occulta – mildest form in which one or more vertebrae are malformed

Associated difficulties Paraplegia Hydrocephalus Sexual dysfunction Skeletal deformities Bowel and bladder incontinence Cognitive impairmement

Incidence

Myelomeningocele is relatively common and affects about 1 in 2000 live births

The incidence of all SB is estimated to be around 1 -2 per 1000