Spina Bifida

-An unfortunately common birth defectthat affects about 1,300 babies each

year-

Overview:

• What is spina bifida?• Three forms of spina bifida• Causes• Who is at risk?• Medical problems that occur with spina bifida• Prevention• Role of March of Dimes

What is spina bifida?

• birth defect resulting from the incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube

• the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord remains unfused and open

• the abnormal portion of the spinal cord sticks out through the opening in the bones 

Three forms of spina bifida

1.Occulta2.Meningocele3.Myelomeningocele 

Occulta

• mildest form• no symptoms• gap in one or more of the

vertebre of the spine• dimple, hairy patch, dark

spot or swelling over affected area

• spinal cords and nerves usually normal

• no treatment needed 

Meningocele

• rarest form• cyst or fluid-filled sac

pokes through open part of spine

• sac contains membranes that protect spinal cord, but not spinal nerves

• cyst removed by surgery, usually allowing for normal development 

Myelomeningocele

• most severe form• cyst holds both membranes

and nerve roots of spinal cord and, often, the cord itself

• sometimes, a fully exposed section of spinal cord and nerves

• closed surgically after birth• affected babies: leg paralysis

and bladder and bowel control problems 

Causes

• causes of spina bifida are not completely understood

• scientists believe both genetic and environmental factors cause this

• however, 95% of affected babies are born to parents with no family history of these disorders 

Who is at risk?

• ANYONE! :( • couples who already had an affected baby has an

increased risk of having another affected baby • women who are obese, have poorly controlled

diabetes, or who are treated with certain anti-seizure meds have a higher risk

• more common in Hispanics and Caucasions

Medical Problems that occur

• Hydrocephalus (70-90%)• Chiari II malformation (change the brain's

position)• Tethered spinal cord (held in place by

connective tissue)• Urinary tract disorders • Latex allergy (73%)• Learning disabilities (20%) 

Prevention

• Folic Acid -- 70% NTDs can be prevented

• multivitamin of 400 micrograms of folic acid every day 

• every day foods: grain products, fortified foods, leafy-green vegetables, dried beans, oranges, orange juice

Role of March of Dimes

• award grants to research labso search for genes that may

contribute to spina bifida and other NTDs to develop new ways to prevent these disorders

o seek better understanding of how folic acid prevents NTDs

o develop programs to prevent behavior and adjustment problems in children and adolescents with spina bifida 

Thank you for listening!