Summary about Disease
Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spinal cord doesn't close completely during pregnancy. This can result in a range of disabilities, from mild to severe, depending on the type and location of the opening in the spine. The severity of the condition is usually determined by the size and location of the opening and whether or not the spinal cord and nerves are affected.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary greatly depending on the type and severity of spina bifida. Some individuals may have no symptoms, while others may experience:
Spina Bifida Occulta: Usually no symptoms, may have a small hairy patch, dimple, or birthmark on the back.
Meningocele: A sac of fluid protrudes through an opening in the spine, but the spinal cord is not involved. Symptoms may be minimal.
Myelomeningocele: The most severe form, where the spinal cord protrudes through an opening in the spine. This can cause:
Muscle weakness or paralysis in the legs
Bowel and bladder control problems
Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain)
Seizures
Skeletal deformities, such as scoliosis
Causes
The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include:
Folic acid deficiency: Insufficient folic acid intake during pregnancy significantly increases the risk.
Family history: Having a family history of neural tube defects increases the risk.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as certain anti-seizure drugs, can increase the risk.
Diabetes: Women with diabetes have a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
Obesity: Maternal obesity may increase the risk.
Increased body temperature / Fever: Elevated body temperature in early pregnancy.
Medicine Used
There is no cure for spina bifida, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include:
Surgery: To close the opening in the spine (usually performed soon after birth for myelomeningocele) and to manage hydrocephalus (shunt placement).
Medications: To manage bowel and bladder problems, pain, and seizures.
Assistive devices: Braces, walkers, wheelchairs.
Folic acid: Administered to the mother while pregnant to prevent the condition.
Is Communicable
No, spina bifida is not communicable. It is a birth defect and is not caused by an infectious agent.
Precautions
While spina bifida cannot be prevented entirely, certain precautions can lower the risk:
Folic acid supplementation: All women of childbearing age should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Women who have previously had a child with a neural tube defect may need a higher dose.
Manage diabetes: Women with diabetes should carefully manage their blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy.
Avoid overheating: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures during early pregnancy.
Genetic counseling: If there is a family history of neural tube defects, genetic counseling may be recommended.
Prenatal care: Regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby.
How long does an outbreak last?
Spina bifida is not an "outbreak" as it is a birth defect. It is a condition that an individual is born with. There is no duration of an outbreak.
How is it diagnosed?
Spina bifida can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after birth:
Prenatal screening:
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) test: A blood test performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Elevated levels may indicate spina bifida.
Ultrasound: Can detect spina bifida and other fetal abnormalities.
Amniocentesis: A sample of amniotic fluid is taken to measure alpha-fetoprotein levels.
Diagnosis after birth:
Physical examination: Visible signs of spina bifida can be detected during a physical exam.
X-rays, MRI, or CT scans: To evaluate the spine and spinal cord.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms depends on the severity of spina bifida.
Prenatal: Diagnosis via screening or ultrasound.
At birth: Visible defects such as a sac on the back (meningocele or myelomeningocele) are present.
Infancy/Childhood: Symptoms such as muscle weakness, bowel and bladder dysfunction, hydrocephalus, and skeletal deformities may become apparent. The timeline for these will vary by individual.
Important Considerations
Lifelong management: Spina bifida requires lifelong medical care and support.
Multidisciplinary care: Individuals with spina bifida benefit from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers.
Prevention of complications: Prevention of infections, skin breakdown, and other complications is crucial.
Emotional and social support: Individuals with spina bifida and their families may benefit from emotional and social support.
Individualized care: Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual's needs and abilities.