is spina bifida a syndrome

Symptoms

Worldwide, more than 400,000 babies develop spina bifida each year, with the highest rate in the United Kingdom and the lowest in Japan. In families with one child who already has spina bifida, the chance of having a second baby with the disorder is 2.5 to 5 percent; this doubles for parents who already have two children with the disorder.

Causes

When people talk about spina bifida, most often they are referring to myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged.

Prevention

What is the prognosis of spina bifida? As mentioned several times in the article, the prognosis depends on the severity and number of abnormalities. Prognosis is the poorest for those with complete paralysis, hydrocephalus, and other congenital defects, while with proper care, most children with spina bifida live well into adulthood. ...

Complications

When symptoms occur, they generally include:

• back pain
• leg weakness
• pain in the back of the legs
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• scoliosis, or a curving of the spine
• numbness in the back or legs
• misshapen legs and feet

What are the chances of getting spina bifida?

What is the most serious form of spina bifida?

What is the prognosis for spina bifida?

How does spina bifida affect your body?

How is spina bifida classified?

What are the types of spina bifida? There are four types of spina bifida: occulta, closed neural tube defects, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. The symptoms of spina bifida vary from person to person, depending on the type and level of involvement.

Is spina bifida related to Down syndrome?

Genetic conditions Very rarely a baby can have spina bifida alongside a genetic condition such as Patau's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Down's syndrome.

Is spina bifida a chromosomal abnormality?

The cause in most cases is multifactorial, which means that both genetic and environmental factors interact to cause Spina bifida. Some cases may be due to the inheritance of specific genetic changes, chromosome abnormalities, or fetal exposure to teratogens.

What are the 3 types of spina bifida?

There are three main types of spina bifida: spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele.

Is spina bifida considered special needs?

Most children with Spina Bifida (SB) should be eligible for special education within the public education system. Eligibility is determined by evidence that there is a disabling condition that adversely affects the education of the student in the regular education classroom.

How long do people with spina bifida live?

Generally, medical professionals state that about 90% of patients with SB will live past their third decade of life. However this number has increased over the years because of improvements in medical technology so it has increased the life expectancy of patients born with spina bifida.

Is spina bifida the mother's fault?

First off, Spina Bifida diagnosis is not the parent's fault. Every woman of childbearing age is at risk of having a pregnancy affected by a birth defect. Birth defects can't be prevented; the risk can only be reduced.

Do people with spina bifida have normal intelligence?

Many people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus will have normal intelligence, although some will have learning difficulties, such as: a short attention span. difficulty solving problems. difficulty reading.

Does spina bifida come from Mom or Dad?

Spina bifida is the most common type of open neural tube defect. Neural tube defects can be caused by genes passed on from both parents (inherited). They also can be caused by environmental factors like obesity or uncontrolled diabetes in the mother, and by some prescription medicines.

What is the main cause of spina bifida?

Doctors aren't certain what causes spina bifida. It's thought to result from a combination of genetic, nutritional and environmental risk factors, such as a family history of neural tube defects and folate (vitamin B-9) deficiency.

Does spina bifida get worse with age?

Adults who have spina bifida face different problems than do children, including: Normal aging process including loss of muscle strength and flexibility, less physical stamina, and a decrease in sensory abilities tend to decline faster or more sever for adults with SB.

Can a person with spina bifida walk?

Mobility and Physical Activity People affected by spina bifida get around in different ways. These include walking without any aids or assistance; walking with braces, crutches or walkers; and using wheelchairs. People with spina bifida higher on the spine (near the head) might have paralyzed legs and use wheelchairs.

What is the most common defect associated with Down's syndrome?

Some of the conditions that occur more often among children with Down syndrome include: Heart defects. Almost one-half of babies with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common type of birth defect.

What birth defects are associated with Down syndrome?

Facts about Down SyndromeA flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose.Almond-shaped eyes that slant up.A short neck.Small ears.A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth.Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye.Small hands and feet.A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)More items...•

What is spina bifida caused by?

It's caused by the incomplete development of the fetus' spine during the first month of pregnancy. (The term spina bifida means “split spine.”) Spina bifida is usually apparent at birth. Spina bifida happens during the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she's pregnant.

Who is most likely to have spina bifida?

Data & Statistics on Spina BifidaHispanic: 3.80 per 10,000 live births.Non-Hispanic black or African-American: 2.73 per 10,000 live births.Non-Hispanic white: 3.09 per 10,000 live births.

What is spinal bifida?

Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. It's a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the structure in a developing embryo that eventually becomes the baby's brain, spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them. Normally, the neural tube forms early in pregnancy and it closes by ...

How severe is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of defect, size, location and complications. When necessary, early treatment for spina bifida involves surgery — although such treatment doesn't always completely resolve the problem.

What is Chiari malformation?

Chiari malformation (kee-AH-ree mal-for-MAY-shun) type II is a common brain abnormality in children with the myelomeningocele type of spina bifida. The brainstem, or lowest part of the brain above the spinal cord, is elongated and positioned lower than usual. This can cause problems with breathing and swallowing.

What is the most severe spinal canal?

Also known as open spina bifida, myelomeningocele is the most severe type. The spinal canal is open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back. The membranes and spinal nerves push through this opening at birth, forming a sac on the baby's back, typically exposing tissues and nerves.

What is the occulta of the spine?

"Occulta" means hidden. It's the mildest and most common type. Spina bifida occulta results in a small separation or gap in one or more of the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Many people who have spina bifida occulta don't even know it, unless the condition is discovered during an imaging test done for unrelated reasons.

What is the name of the spinal cord that protrudes at birth?

Spina bifida (myelomeningocele) Spina bifida (my elomeningocele) Myelomeningocele is a severe type of spina bifida in which the membranes and the spinal nerves protrude at birth, forming a sac on the baby's back. The exposed nervous system may become infected, so prompt surgery is needed after birth.

What are the risks of having a baby with spina bifida?

Diabetes. Women with diabetes who don't have well-controlled blood sugar have a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida. Obesity. Pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with an increased risk of neural tube birth defects, including spina bifida. Increased body temperature.

What is Spina Bifida?

Treatments. Causes. Living with Spina Bifida. Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way. When the neural tube doesn’t close all the way, ...

Why is Spina Bifida not diagnosed?

Sometimes spina bifida is not diagnosed until after the baby is born because the mother did not receive prenatal care or an ultrasound did not show clear pictures of the affected part of the spine.

What are the three types of spina bifida?

Types of Spina Bifida. The three most common types of spina bifida are: Myelomeningocele (sounds like: my-low-ma-nin-jo-seal; hear how “myelomeningocele” sounds. external icon. ) When people talk about spina bifida, most often they are referring to myelomeningocele.

What is the condition that causes a person to not be able to move their legs?

This type of spina bifida causes moderate to severe disabilities, such as problems affecting how the person goes to the bathroom, loss of feeling in the person’s legs or feet, and not being able to move the legs. Another type of spina bifida is meningocele.

Do all people with spina bifida need the same treatment?

Not all people born with spina bifida have the same needs, so treatment will be different for each person. Some people have problems that are more serious than others. People with myelomeningocele and meningocele will need more treatments than people with spina bifida occulta.

Is there a small gap in the spine?

It is sometimes called “hidden” spina bifida. With it, there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back. The spinal cord and the nerves usually are normal. Many times, spina bifida occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood.

Is the spinal cord in the sac?

But, the spinal cord is not in this sac. There is usually little or no nerve damage. This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities. Spina Bifida Occulta (sounds like: o-cult-tuh; hear how “occulta” sounds. external icon. ) Spina bifida occulta is the mildest type of spina bifida.

What is spinal bifida?

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect in which the neural tube (the structure in an embryo that becomes the brain and spinal cord) does not completely close during development in the womb. This may result in part of the spinal cord sticking out through an opening in the spine, leading to permanent nerve damage.

What is spina bifida caused by?

Listen. Spina bifida is a complex condition that in most cases, is likely caused by the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors (called multifactorial inheritance). Some of these factors have been identified, but many remain unknown. Changes in any of many genes may influence the risk of spina bifida.

What is the term for a baby with spina bifida?

Babies born with spina bifida often have a fluid-filled sac, covered by skin, on their back. This is called a meningocele. If the sac contains part of the spinal cord and its protective covering, it is known as a myelomeningocele.

How do you know if you have spina bifida?

Possible symptoms include include a loss of feeling below the level of the opening, weakness or paralysis of the feet or legs, problems with bladder and bowel control, hydrocephalus, and learning problems. [1] ...

When did doctors start trying to close spina bifida?

In 1994 , doctors began trying out various methods for closing spina bifida defects while the baby is still in the mother's womb. Since that time, many improvements have been made in the procedure. It is still not know, however, whether it is better to operate on a baby with spina bifida before or after it is born.

Is Spina Bifida occulta treatable?

Long-term physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy may be needed. In some cases, the condition is life-threatening and is not treatable. [2] There is also a milder form of the condition called spina bifida occulta in which the nerves develop normally and health problems rarely occur. [1] Last updated: 8/8/2017.

How to find a doctor for a syphilis?

You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

How do people with Spina Bifida get around?

These include walking without any aids or assistance; walking with braces, crutches or walkers; and using wheelchairs. People with spina bifida higher on the spine (near the head) might have paralyzed legs and use wheelchairs.

What is the procedure for spina bifida?

If a baby with spina bifida has hydrocephalus, a surgeon can put in a shunt. A shunt is a small hollow tube that will help drain the fluid from the baby’s brain and protect it from too much pressure. Additional surgery might be needed to change the shunt as the child grows up or if it becomes clogged or infected.

How much physical activity is needed for spina bifida?

Regular physical activity is important for all people, but especially for those with conditions that affect movement, such as spina bifida. CDC recommends 60 minutes of physical activity a day. There are many ways for people with spina bifida to be active. For example, they can:

What is the procedure to close the spine before birth?

Open Spina Bifida. Sometimes when a baby has open spina bifida, or myelomeningocele, doctors will perform surgery to close the spine before the baby is born. This surgery is a major procedure for the mother and the baby, and may not be available where you live.

Can a person with Spina Bifida have a tethered spinal cord?

Many people with open spina bifida have tethered spinal cords . Normally, the bottom of the spinal cord floats around freely in the spinal canal. A tethered spinal cord is attached to the spinal canal. When this happens, the spinal cord stretches as a person grows, which can permanently damage the spinal nerves. The person might have back pain, scoliosis (crooked spine), leg and foot weakness, changes in bladder or bowel control, and other problems. A tethered spinal cord can be treated with surgery.

Can spina bifida cause death?

Pressure sores can lead to infection, amputation, or even death. By checking skin regularly for redness including under braces, people with spina bifida, along with their parents and caregivers, can identify skin problems before they become pressure sores.

Can you use natural rubber for spina bifida?

Latex (Natural Rubber) Allergy. Many people with spina bifida are allergic to products that contain latex, or natural rubber. This means they should not use items made of natural rubber. For babies, this would include rubber nipples and pacifiers.

What are the physical and psychological problems associated with spina bifida?

Some people with open spina bifida have additional physical and psychological conditions, including digestive, vision, sexual, social, and emotional problems; obesity; and depression.

Why is my spina bifida so high?

While researchers still don’t entirely understand why the rate in those with spina bifida is so high, some experts believe such an allergy can be caused by frequent exposure to latex, which is common for people with spina bifida who have shunts and have had many surgeries. 2.

What is the condition where the brain is swollen?

Hydrocephalus. Many infants born with spina bifida get extra fluid in and around the brain, a condition called hydrocephalus , or water on the brain. The extra fluid can cause swelling of the head, which may lead to brain injury.

Where is the brain located in Spina Bifida?

The brains of most children with open spina bifida are positioned abnormally. The lower part of the brain rests farther down than normal, partially in the upper spinal canal. The cerebrospinal (pronounced suh-ree-broh-SPAHYN-l) fluid can get blocked and cause hydrocephalus.

Can a tethered spinal cord cause back pain?

Tethered Spinal Cord. Typically, the bottom of the spinal cord floats freely in the spinal canal, but for many people with spina bifida, the spinal cord is attached to the spinal canal. Thus, the spinal cord stretches as a person grows, and this stretching can cause spinal nerve damage. The person might have back pain, scoliosis (crooked spine, ...

Can spina bifida cause urinary tract infections?

People with spina bifida often cannot control their bladder and bowel movements. They also can develop urinary tract infections.

Can Spina Bifida be able to walk?

Paralysis, Mobility Limitations. People with spina bifida high on the back ( near the head, for instance) might not be able to move their legs. People with spina bifida low on the back (near the hips, for example) might have some leg mobility and be able to walk unassisted or with crutches, braces, or walkers.

What is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida is what is known as a neural tube defect. It occurs during development prior to birth. It’s when the spinal cord, brain, or meninges (their protective covering) does not completely develop. It can be anywhere along the spine and usually can be seen in an opening in the baby’s back at birth. It may also appear as a sack of fluid that has grown outside the body on the spine. This sack may or may not include the spinal cord inside.

How many types of spina bifida are there?

There are three types of spina bifida: myelomeningocele, meningocele, and spina bifida occulta.

How to tell if you have myelomeningocele spina bifida?

Symptoms of myelomeningocele spina bifida include: open spinal canal over some vertebrae, usually in the middle or lower part of the back. membranes and spinal cord pushed outside the back in an exposed or skin-covered sack. weak or paralyzed leg muscles. seizures.

What are the symptoms of Spina Bifida Occulta?

Symptoms of spina bifida occulta include: a gap in between vertebrae. no visible opening outside. no fluid-filled sack outside the body. small birthmark or dimple on the back. small group or cluster of hair on the back. an area of extra fat on the back.

What are the physical disabilities of myelomeningocele?

These disabilities may include: incontinence. difficulty going to the bathroom. inability to move or feel their legs or feet.

How to prevent spina bifida?

Follow these preventive steps: Take a folic acid supplement as prescribed by your doctor. Include leafy green vegetables, nuts, beans, and other foods that contain folic acid in your diet.

Can a child with spina bifida go to college?

Coping mechanisms, medications, therapies, and any walking aids are normally in place. Many children with spina bifida grow up to attend college and have careers. Some also live independently. However, ongoing medical issues can develop throughout the life of a person with spina bifida.

How does Spina Bifida affect nutrition?

This is typically due to a complex interplay of medical and social factors, such as brain stem dysfunction, shunt obstruction, silent aspiration, sleep apnea, recurrent infections, and altered feeding dynamics related to frequent hospitalization and caregiver stress. However, most children with Spina Bifida follow typical growth patterns until they are four years of age. After that, increased fat mass (versus lean mass) has been found when compared with children without Spina Bifida.2 Children with Spina Bifida who have a latex allergy may limit their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables due to cross-reacting foods (Latex and Latex Allergy in Spina Bifida Guidelines). Those with the Chiari II malformation may have an aversion to textured foods because of brainstem dysfunction.3 For many individuals with Spina Bifida, concern about bowel and bladder accidents may be prioritized over hydration and optimal nutrition.4 Poor eating habits can lead to constipation, skin breakdown, osteoporosis, anemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other preventable secondary conditions.5 It is therefore critical to work with children, families and adults with Spina Bifida to emphasize the importance of healthy nutrition and a balanced diet on overall health and wellness.6

How long should a baby with Spina Bifida breastfeed?

Discuss with them that ideally, infants with Spina Bifida should breastfeed or be given breast milk exclusively for the first six months. Infants should continue to have breast milk for a year or more, as with all neonates.15.

What is the best diet for children with Spina Bifida?

Recommend a diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D.33.

Can Spina Bifida cause weight gain?

Children and adults with Spina Bifida have higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to the general population,7 which may lead to negative health outcomes later in life such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.8 Girls with Spina Bifida diagnosed with premature puberty may experience weight gain,9 especially if pharmacological treatments are used. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can also lead to weight gain in women with Spina Bifida.10 Sleep apnea can result from weight gain or result in changes in weight over time.11 Overweight among people with Spina Bifida may also impact mobility, independence, and quality of life.12 It is important for people with Spina Bifida to understand the possible risks associated with both poor nutrition and obesity and for health care professionals to discuss these topics using a collaborative, strengths-based approach. (Health Promotion and Preventive Health Care Services Guidelines, Physical Activity Guidelines)

Is Spina Bifida a metabolic syndrome?

Whether children and adults with Spina Bifida are at higher risk for metabolic syndrome. Whether screening for metabolic complications of obesity should routinely be performed in children and adolescents with Spina Bifida. Evidence for the role of weight management interventions in the prevention of metabolic syndrome.

How to treat spina bifida?

Depending on the severity of spina bifida and the complications, treatment options may include: Walking and mobility aids. Some babies may start exercises to prepare their legs for walking with braces or crutches when they're older. Some children may need walkers or a wheelchair.

How to diagnose spina bifida in a baby?

Ultrasound. Fetal ultrasound is the most accurate method to diagnose spina bifida in your baby before delivery. Ultrasound can be performed during the first trimester (11 to 14 weeks) and second trimester (18 to 22 weeks). Spina bifida can be accurately diagnosed during the second trimester ultrasound scan.

What is the primary care for Spina Bifida?

Children with spina bifida need close follow-up care and observation. Their primary care doctors evaluate growth, the need for vaccinations and general medical issues, and they coordinate medical care. Children with spina bifida also often need treatment and ongoing care from: Physical medicine and rehabilitation.

What does it feel like to have a baby with spina bifida?

News that your newborn child has a condition such as spina bifida can naturally cause you to feel grief, anger, frustration, fear and sadness. There's good reason for hope, however, because most people with spina bifida live active, productive and full lives — especially with encouragement and support from loved ones.

When does Spina Bifida surgery take place?

Prenatal surgery for spina bifida (fetal surgery) takes place before the 26th week of pregnancy. Surgeons expose the pregnant mother's uterus surgically, open the uterus and repair the baby's spinal cord.

Can a child with spina bifida go to college?

Children with spina bifida can go on to college, hold jobs and have families. Special accommodations may be necessary along the way, but encourage your child to be as independent as possible. Independent mobility is an important and appropriate goal for all children with spina bifida.

Can you have fetal surgery for spina bifida?

Research suggests that children with spina bifida who had fetal surgery may have reduced disability and be less likely to need crutches or other walking devices. Fetal surgery may also reduce the risk of hydrocephalus. Ask your doctor whether this procedure may be appropriate for you. Discuss the potential benefits and risks, such as possible premature delivery and other complications, for you and your baby.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Complications

See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

Types of Spina Bifida

Diagnosis

Treatments

Causes and Prevention

Living with Spina Bifida

See more on cdc.gov