Definition
Spina bifida is a type of birth defect. It is a problem with how the spine and spinal cord develops. Spina bifida can begin to develop in a fetus before the mother even knows she is pregnant. In some cases, structures that should be inside the spinal canal can slip out. The structures affected may include:
Spina Bifida
There are three kinds of spina bifida:
Occulta—small defect in one or more backbones, least severe form, usually no complications.Meningocele—membranes poke through an open part of the spine and can form a cysts. Myelomeningocele—most severe form of spina bifida, membranes poke through and contain nerve roots or spinal cord and can lead to
Paralysis and incontinence of bowel and bladder may occur—frequently not cured by surgery
Hydrocephalus—a build up of fluids in the brain that increase pressure on the brain
Causes
The cause of spina bifida is not known. There is a strong genetic factor for some with spina bifida. This means there is a problem with the body's blueprint.
Spina bifida is a type of birth defect. It is a problem with how the spine and spinal cord develops. Spina bifida can begin to develop in a fetus before the mother even knows she is pregnant. In some cases, structures that should be inside the spinal canal can slip out. The structures affected may include:
- Membranes that surround the spinal cord
- Nerve roots that connect nerves to the spinal cord
- Spinal cord
- Vertebra (back bones)—may be deformed
Spina Bifida
There are three kinds of spina bifida:
Occulta—small defect in one or more backbones, least severe form, usually no complications.Meningocele—membranes poke through an open part of the spine and can form a cysts. Myelomeningocele—most severe form of spina bifida, membranes poke through and contain nerve roots or spinal cord and can lead to
Paralysis and incontinence of bowel and bladder may occur—frequently not cured by surgery
Hydrocephalus—a build up of fluids in the brain that increase pressure on the brain
Causes
The cause of spina bifida is not known. There is a strong genetic factor for some with spina bifida. This means there is a problem with the body's blueprint.
RSS Feed
