what are the 3 types of spina bifida

What is the life expectancy for Spinal Bifida?

What is the life expectancy of spina bifida? The prognosis for survival was strikingly poor in those with the most extensive neurological deficit. Only 17% (7/42) of those born with a high sensory level (above T11) survived to the mean age of 40 years, compared with 61% (23/38) of those with a low sensory level (below L3; p=0.001).

What is the most serious form of spina bifida?

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.

Is spina bifida life threatening?

The severity of spina bifida varies depending on how the condition develops. In the mildest cases, the condition may cause no significant health problems. In severe cases, spina bifida can cause life-threatening complications and disabilities. Spina bifida is classified according to the type and severity of deformation of the spinal column.

Are there alternative treatments to spina bifida?

Are there alternative treatments to spina bifida? In reality, there are no treatments for spina bifida. The disease is an incurable one. However, there are ways to treat the symptoms of spina bifida in order to make leading a normal life easier. One experimental treatment that is becoming more popular is prenatal surgery.

What type of spina bifida is the most severe?

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.

What is the difference between spina bifida and spina bifida occulta?

Spina bifida is a condition present at birth (a congenital birth defect) caused by your spine forming incorrectly during fetal development. The word “occulta” means “hidden.” Spina bifida occulta is also known as hidden spina bifida because a small layer of skin covers the opening of your spinal vertebrae.

What is the rarest form of spina bifida?

Meningocele causes fewer symptoms than open spina bifida, and is the rarest form of spina bifida. The mildest form of spina bifida is also the most common called spina bifida occulta, or closed spina bifida, it affects only the bones of the spinal column and is not always diagnosed in infancy.

Which type of spina bifida is the least severe?

Spina bifida occulta. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest and most common form of this disorder. ... Meningocele. In this least common type of spina bifida, the meninges (membrane surrounding the spinal cord) protrude through the opening causing a lump or sac on the back. ... Myelomeningocele.

Does spina bifida occulta qualify for disability?

For many with spina bifida, their symptoms and complications are tremendous barriers to normal activities of childhood and to employment in adulthood. As such, spina bifida can qualify children and adults for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Does spina bifida occulta require surgery?

Most people with spina bifida occulta do not need medical treatment. Those with a tethered cord might have surgery to let the spinal cord move more freely.

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.

What is the life expectancy for someone with spina bifida?

The prognosis for survival was strikingly poor in those with the most extensive neurological deficit. Only 17% (7/42) of those born with a high sensory level (above T11) survived to the mean age of 40 years, compared with 61% (23/38) of those with a low sensory level (below L3; p=0.001).

How long do adults 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.

Does spina bifida run in families?

Family history Having a family member with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida, increases your chances of having a baby with spina bifida. If you've previously had a child with spina bifida, your chance of having other children with the condition is increased.

Can you walk with spina bifida?

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 best treatment for spina bifida?

Spina bifida treatment. The two main spina bifida treatment options are fetal surgery during pregnancy or surgery on the baby right after birth.

What causes spina bifida occulta?

Causes of spina bifida occulta One of the biggest risk factors for delivering a baby with spinal cord defects is insufficient intake of folic acid during pregnancy. Folic acid is a B vitamin.

Is there a cure for spina bifida occulta?

There is no cure for spina bifida occulta, but treatment is unnecessary for most people as they have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are treated individually.

Can you have mild spina bifida?

In most cases, spina bifida is diagnosed before birth (prenatal). However, some mild cases may go unnoticed until after birth (postnatal). Very mild forms of spinal bifida are found when doing tests for other conditions or may never be detected.

Can you get an epidural if you have spina bifida occulta?

There are many reports of successful spinal and epidural anesthesia in patients with spina bifida occulta and cystica.

How many types of spina bifida are there?

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

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Can Spina bifida cause intellectual disability?

Spina bifida might cause physical and intellectual disabilities that range from mild to severe. The severity depends on:

How many types of spina bifida are there?

There are three main types of spina bifida:

What is the treatment for spina bifida?

Surgery, physiotherapy and medication are used to treat some of the effects of spina bifida and may be needed throughout a patient's life to prevent and manage certain complications. Children with spina bifida, especially those who experienced hydrocephalus, sometimes have learning problems.

What happens to Spina Bifida occulta?

Rarely, spina bifida occulta will cause problems when a child grows to adolescence. By this time in the child's life, the spinal cord has become fastened to the backbone. When the growth spurt of adolescence begins, the nerves of the spinal cord become stretched.

Why does Spina bifida occur during pregnancy?

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. The condition is a type of neural tube defect (NTD).

What is the color of spina bifida?

In some people, though, the skin overlying the bony defect will show subtle changes, such as a dimple, red or purple coloring or a tuft of hair. It has been estimated that about 10% to 20% of the U.S. population has spina bifida occulta -- and most don’t even know they have it.

Where is Spina Bifida found?

Spina bifida can occur anywhere along the backbone, but is most often found in the small of the back or further down. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy.

Can Spina Bifida be repaired?

In this least common type of spina bifida, the meninges (membrane surrounding the spinal cord) protrude through the opening causing a lump or sac on the back. More severe than spina bifida occulta, meningocele can nevertheless be repaired through surgery with little or no nerve damage resulting. The surgery is performed at any time during infancy. With meningoceles, the spinal cord has developed normally and is undamaged. The child has no neurological problems.

What is the most common form of spina bifida?

Myelomeningocele is the most serious and more common of the two forms of cystic spina bifida. Here the cyst not only contains tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but also nerves and part of the spinal cord. The exposed spinal cord is damaged by the fluid in the womb during pregnancy and may also not develop properly. As a result, there is nearly always some resulting paralysis and loss of sensation. Nerves to and from the spinal cord emerging below the damaged region may not pass messages to the brain. The extent of this can be patchy and difficult to predict.

How many people have Spina Bifida Occulta?

Estimates vary, but between 5% and 10% of people may have spina bifida occulta. For most people affected, SBO will have no impact on their lives. Often people only become aware that they have the condition after having a back x-ray or scan for an unrelated problem or for back pain. However, for some people, there are associated conditions which can ...

Why does Spina Bifida develop during pregnancy?

The exact cause is still uncertain, but it is thought that a layer of cells (which will develop into the skin) detaches from the neural tissue too early, allowing fat cells to become attached to the spinal cord, where they grow to form a lump.

What is Spina Bifida Occulta?

The term ‘spina bifida occulta’ is sometimes used to refer to other skin covered lesions (such as lipomyelomeningocoele or diastematomyelia - see below) but it is more accurate to distinguish between those conditions, and uncomplicated gaps in the vertebrae.

What happens to the spinal cord during pregnancy?

As a result, there is nearly always some resulting paralysis and loss of sensation. Nerves to and from the spinal cord emerging below the damaged region may not pass messages to the brain.

Is the sac of Spina Bifida a CSF?

In this form, the sac contains meninges (tissues which cover the brain and spinal cord) and CSF, but no spinal tissue. Development of the spinal cord may be affected, but impairment is usually less severe than myelomeningocele. Meningocele is the least common form of spina bifida.

Is Spina bifida present from birth?

Spina bifida is present from birth and can take several forms. These are:

What is the most severe form of Spina Bifida?

Myelomeningocele accounts for about 75% of all spina bifida cases. This is the most severe form of the condition in which a portion of the spinal cord itself protrudes through the back. In some cases, sacs are covered with skin, but in other cases, tissue and nerves may be exposed. The extent of neurological disabilities is directly related to the location and severity of the spinal cord defect. If the bottom of the spinal cord is involved, there may be only bowel and bladder dysfunction, while the more severe cases can result in total paralysis of the legs with accompanying bowel and bladder dysfunction.

How many people have Spina Bifida?

The Spina Bifida Association conservatively estimates that there are 70,000 people living in the United States with the condition. The prevalence appears to have decreased in recent years due in part to preventative measures followed by expectant mothers prior to and during pregnancy as well as prenatal testing.

How many children with spina bifida develop hydrocephalus?

About 80 to 90% of children with spina bifida develop hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within the ventricles (fluid-containing cavities) of the brain and may increase pressure within the head. Most of these children will require a ventricular shunt to control the build-up of spinal fluid. The shunt will remain in place throughout the individual’s life, but usually needs to be replaced several times.

What is the occulta of the spine?

Occulta is often called hidden spina bifida, as the spinal cord and the nerves are usually normal and there is no opening on the back. In this form of spina bifida, there is only a small defect or gap in the small bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine, which occurs in about 12% of the population. In many cases, spina bifida occulta is so mild that there is no disturbance of spinal function at all. Most people are not aware that they have spina bifida occulta, unless it is discovered on an x-ray performed for an unrelated reason. However, one in 1,000 individuals will have an occult structural finding that leads to neurological deficits or disabilities as bowel or bladder dysfunction, back pain, leg weakness or scoliosis.

What is the name of the condition where the spinal cord is not open?

The symptoms of spina bifida depend on exactly where and what extent the spinal cord and overlying structures have not developed correctly. There are three common subtypes: Occulta is often called hidden spina bifida, as the spinal cord and the nerves are usually normal and there is no opening on the back.

When does Spina Bifida occur?

Spina Bifida. Spina bifida occurs during the third and fourth weeks of pregnancy when a portion of the fetal spinal cord fails to properly close. As a result, the child is born with a part of the spinal cord exposed on the back.

What is the term for the fluid filled sac that forms when the bones do not close around the spinal cord?

Meningocele occurs when the bones do not close around the spinal cord and the meninges are pushed out through the opening, causing a fluid-filled sac to form. The meninges are three layers of membranes covering the spinal cord, consisting of dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.

What is the most severe spina bifida?

There are three main types of spina bifida, the most severe being myelomeningocele and the most mild being spina bifida occulta. Spina bifida will often result in varying degrees of weakness to the legs. This muscle imbalance can then lead to the development of musculoskeletal problems, such as hip dislocation, joint contractures and clubfeet.

What are the signs and symptoms of spina bifida?

Spina bifida is typically screened for during routine prenatal exams. Many cases of spina bifida are detected with prenatal sonogram and blood work.

What are the factors that increase the risk of a mother having a child with spina bifid?

Factors that increase the risk of a mother having a child with spina bifida include: Having a child or sibling with spina bifida. Having spina bifida herself. Deficit of folate (folic acid) in the maternal diet before pregnancy. Exposure to certain medications while pregnant (valproic acid)

What is Spina Bifida Occulta?

Typically an incidental finding, spina bifida occulta rarely presents with symptoms. The lowest lumbar vertebra is found to have a small midline defect. This spinal cord and spinal contents are not affected in this condition. A child with this finding on an X-ray is expected to have no physical limitations, muscle weakness or increased risk of developing progressive spinal pathology. There is no need for routine checkups or activity limitations in the absence of symptoms. A child could grow up and never know that he or she has this defect.

What kind of doctor treats spina bifida?

Children with spina bifida are often cared for by a variety of medical professionals, including a neurologist, orthopaedist and physical therapist, among others. Treatment may include surgery, bracing, physical therapy and other forms of medical care based on each child’s needs.

What is the most common defect of the developing brain and spinal cord called?

Myelomeningocele. This is the most common defect of the developing brain and spinal cord, called the neural tube. This birth defect develops by the third week of fetal gestation. Myelomeningocele is a fluid-filled area formed by the lining of the spinal cord and a web of spinal nerves.

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 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.

Where is the spinal canal in Spina Bifida?

In this severe type of spina bifida: The spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back. Both the membranes and the spinal cord or nerves protrude at birth, forming a sac. Tissues and nerves usually are exposed, though sometimes skin covers the sac.

Types of Spina Bifida

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Living with Spina Bifida

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