Delhi/NCR:

Mohali:

Dehradun:

Bathinda:

Mumbai:

Nagpur:

Lucknow:

BRAIN ATTACK:

01140554055

7710777107

01357193333

01645212039

02261347777

07127120000

05226780001

9910204023

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Treatment in Delhi, India

Get a Second Opinion

To Book an Appointment

Call Us+91 92688 80303

Overview

Spina bifida is a congenital disability that occurs when the spinal cord and the spine are not formed properly. The severity of spina bifida depends on several factors, including the kind of defect, its size, where it occurs in the spine, and whether or not there are any other issues. Surgery is sometimes used in the early stages of treating spina bifida, but it doesn't always correct the condition.

Types of Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida can be of the following types:

  • Spina bifida occulta is the most frequent and least severe spina bifida. Occult spina bifida occurs when a fistula or other opening occurs in one or more of the spinal bones (vertebrae). Individuals with spina bifida occulta may not be aware they have the disorder until it is uncovered during an unrelated imaging study
  • Myelomeningocele: The most severe form of spina bifida is called myelomeningocele. Multiple vertebrae in the lower or middle back have openings in the spinal canal. In most cases, the membranes and spinal nerves push through this hole during delivery, producing a sac on the baby's back and exposing tissues and nerves. This may put the infant at risk for potentially fatal infections, paralysis, incontinence, and other gastrointestinal issues
  • Meningocele: The characteristic feature of this uncommon spina bifida is the protrusion of a sac containing spinal fluid through a gap in the spinal column. Meningocele does not harm the nerves, and the spinal cord is not in the fluid sac. Babies born with meningoceles may have mild functional issues, such as those involving the intestines and bladder

Causes of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida has no known cause, but several things may increase a person's chances of developing it. They are:

  • Folate deficiency: Natural folic acid (vitamin B-9) is crucial for a developing baby's health. Folic acid is the synthetic version added to certain foods and used in fortification programs. Spina bifida and other neural tube abnormalities may be brought on by a lack of folate in the body
  • Family History: If a parent has already had a kid born with a neural tube defect, there is a small risk that they will have another child born with the same issue. If two parents have had children with the disorder, the odds of this happening to the third kid also rise. In addition, the likelihood of having a child with spina bifida is higher for women born with a neural tube defect than for women born typically. However, the vast majority of kids born with spina bifida have no known ancestors who were affected by the disorder
  • Medications: Various pharmaceutical Anticonvulsant drugs like valproic acid, for instance, have been linked to birth abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord in unborn children. One possible explanation is that they prevent the body from adequately using folate and folic acid
  • Diabetes: Spina bifida is more common in babies born to women whose diabetes is not effectively managed
  • Obesity: Spina bifida and other neural tube birth abnormalities have been linked to maternal obesity before pregnancy
  • Increase in body temperature: Hyperthermia during the first few weeks of pregnancy has been linked to an increased incidence of spina bifida. Fever or using a sauna or hot tub have been linked to a slightly increased incidence of spina bifida in unborn children

Symptoms of Spina Bifida

Symptoms of spina bifida may include:

  • Problems with the bladder and bowel movements
  • The spinal canal stays open along numerous vertebrae in the lower or middle back
  • At birth, the membranes and the spinal cord or nerves protrude, producing a sac
  • Tissues and nerves are generally visible, and the skin may cover the sac

Diagnosis of Spina Bifida

Several diagnostic tests are conducted to diagnose spina bifida before the baby is born. A few of them are:

  • MSAFP (maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein) test: A sample of the mother's blood is collected and examined for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein generated by the infant, for the MSAFP test. A small quantity of AFP crosses the placenta and enters the mother's circulation. However, exceptionally high AFP levels indicate that the infant has a neural tube abnormality, such as spina bifida; high AFP levels may not always occur in spina bifida
  • AFP levels test: Other reasons, such as fetal age miscalculation or numerous infants, might produce varying amounts of AFP, so the doctor may arrange a follow-up blood test for confirmation. If the findings remain high, a patient will need more testing, possibly an ultrasound exam
  • Additional blood testing: The MSAFP test may be combined with two or three additional blood tests by the doctor. These tests are often performed in conjunction with the MSAFP test, although they aim to screen for other diseases, including trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), rather than neural tube abnormalities
  • Ultrasound: Prenatal ultrasound is the most reliable way to identify spina bifida in kids. Ultrasound may be conducted throughout the first and second trimesters (11 to 14 weeks) (and 18 to 22 weeks). During the second-trimester ultrasound scan, spina bifida may be reliably identified. This screening is crucial in identifying and ruling out congenital abnormalities like spina bifida. A sophisticated ultrasound may also reveal indicators of spina bifida, such as an open spine or specific abnormalities in the baby's brain. In the hands of a trained professional, ultrasonography may also be used to measure severity
  • Amniocentesis: If the prenatal ultrasound reveals that the baby has spina bifida, the doctor may do an amniocentesis. A small amount of fluid from the amniotic sac, which contains the developing baby, is taken by a needle during an amniocentesis procedure. Even though spina bifida is seldom related to genetic illnesses, this investigation may be necessary to rule out genetic diseases

Spina Bifida Treatment

More severe spina bifida cannot be healed since the condition causes permanent nerve damage. In addition to learning how to control their bowels and bladders, children with more severe spina bifida need to develop movement abilities. Some people may need to have catheters inserted so they can urinate. As they develop, these kids will need a variety of operations and adaptive equipment, including braces, crutches, and wheelchairs, for the rest of their lives.

Spina bifida patients may need ongoing medical care, including surgery, physical therapy, and medication, to manage and avoid problems. Spina bifida may cause learning difficulties in children, particularly those who have suffered hydrocephalus.

Prevention of Spina Bifida

One may take specific measures to prevent the occurrence of spina bifida. They are:

  • The recommended daily dose of folic acid for women of reproductive age is 400 mcg (0.4 mg) in a multivitamin. According to studies, if women take the appropriate folic acid supplement, their risk of having a child born with spina bifida may be reduced by as much as 75%
  • All medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, as well as any vitamins, minerals, herbal preparations, and other dietary supplements, should be disclosed to the doctor
  • Use acetaminophen, often known as Tylenol®, or a generic version as soon as possible to reduce temperature
  • Stop overheating the body in hot tubs and saunas
  • Do everything that one can to keep diabetes or obesity under control in case of pregnancy

Outlook

The severity of spina bifida varies. Some individuals have no effects, while others have restricted mobility and learning. Every instance is different, and it all relies on the health conditions existing at birth. All kids with spina bifida can get help, and most can live active lives with the proper care. Consult a doctor immediately to explore treatment options for spina bifida for a child.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Amit Gupta - Principal Consultant - Neuro Surgery, Neurosciences, Spine Surgery.

Other Conditions & Treatments

Get Second Opinion

Get free second opinion from India’s leading specialists.

Email - digitalquery@maxhealthcare.com

Our Medical Experts

Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.

Our Medical Experts

Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.

Find a Doctor
Find a Doctor

Specialist in Location

Spina Bifida Doctors

Spina Bifida Hospitals

Top Blogs