Spina Bifida

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Spina Bifida
Everything there is to know about Spina Bifida,
its causes and its effects.
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What Is It?
Spina bifida means 'split spine'. There are 33
vertebrae in the spine if one or more of these
don't form properly in early pregnancy, the
nerves in the spine may be unprotected, leading
to damage of the central nervous system. This
damage may cause mobility difficulties, bladder
and bowel problems and, in more severe cases,
paralysis below the affected part of the spine.
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Occulta
Occulta is a very mild common form of Spina
Bifida. Occulta actually means hidden in Latin.
It very rarely causes disability and the only
visible sign is a dimple or a small hair growth
on the back. It can only be detected by x-ray or
investigating a back injury so many people
unaware that they have it. It occurs when the
spinal cord is caught against the vertebrae
causing complications.
Occulta
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Meningocele
It is the least common form of Spina Bifida. The
fluid filled sac usually contains tissues which
covers the spinal cord and cerebro-spinal fluid -
which is the spinal fluid that protects the brain
and the spinal cord. The nerves are not badly
damaged and able to function normally but limited
disability is usually present. This type of Spina
Bifida is a type of Cystica Spina Bifida
Meningocele
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Myelomeningocele
This is the most serious and common form. The
cyst not only contains tissue and cerebrospinal
fluid but also the nerves and spinal cord. The
spinal cord is damaged or not properly developed
resulting in paralysis and no feeling below that
damaged region. The majority of people with this
condition also have bowel and bladder problems.
It is a type of Cystica Spina Bifida
Myelomeningocele
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Causes
The exact cause of spina bifida remains a
mystery. No one knows what disrupts complete
closure of the neural tube, causing a
malformation. Scientists suspect genetic,
nutritional, and environmental factors play a
role.  Research studies indicate that
insufficient intake of folic acid - a common B
vitamin - in the mothers diet is a key factor in
causing Spina Bifida and other neural tube
defects. Prenatal vitamins that are prescribed
for the pregnant mother typically contain folic
acid as well as other vitamins.
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Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of spina bifida vary from person to
person, depending on the type. Often, individuals
with Occulta have no outward signs of the
disorder. Closed Neural Tube Defects are often
recognized early in life due to an abnormal tuft
or clump of hair or a small dimple or birthmark
on the skin at the site of the spinal
malformation. Meningocele and Myelomeningocele
generally involve a fluid-filled sac - visible on
the back - protruding from the spinal cord.  In
Meningocele, the sac may be covered by a thin
layer of skin, whereas in most cases of
Myelomeningocele, there is no layer of skin
covering the sac and a section of spinal cord
tissue usually is exposed. 
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Charity - ASBAH
ASBAH is the leading UK registered charity
providing information and advice about Spina
Bifida and hydrocephalus to individuals, families
and carers. Their unique services include support
to parents before and around the birth of their
baby, or diagnosis of the disability support to
the child and family on educational matters
specialised information and help on health
matters helping young people access services to
progress towards control of their lives
responding to the needs of adults with Spina
Bifida or Hydrocephalus.
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The End