What part of the spine does spina bifida affect?

What part of the spine does spina bifida affect?

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 bone does spina bifida affect?

What you need to know about spina bifida. Spina bifida is a condition where the bones in the vertebral column do not fully cover the spinal cord, leaving it exposed. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and it can affect physical and intellectual development.

What vertebrae are affected by spina bifida?

The nervous system tissue of the spinal cord can also be affected. This can occur anywhere along the length of the spinal column. Those that occur in the spine are categorized under the term “spina bifida”, and 80% of these are located in the lumbar and sacral areas (lower back) of the spine.

How does spina bifida affect the body?

Spina bifida can cause a wide range of symptoms, including problems with movement, bladder and bowel problems, and problems associated with hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain). The severity of the symptoms of spina bifida varies considerably, largely depending on the location of the gap in the spine.

What are the complications of spina bifida?

Complications of spina bifida may include:

• Traumatic birth and difficult delivery of the baby.
• Frequent urinary tract infections.
• Fluid buildup on the brain (hydrocephalus)
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Brain infection (meningitis)
• Permanent weakness or paralysis of legs.

Who is most affected by spina bifida?

obesity – women who are obese (have a body mass index of 30 or more) are more likely to have a child with spina bifida than those of average weight. diabetes – women with diabetes may have an increased risk of having a child with spina bifida.

What does a dimple on a baby back mean?

A sacral dimple is a small indentation (dent) in the lower back, near the crease of the buttocks. It is a congenital condition, meaning it is there when the baby is born. Most sacral dimples do not cause any health issues. In some cases, a sacral dimple can be a sign of an underlying spinal problem.

What are the long term effects of spina bifida?

Individuals born with spina bifida (myelomeningocele) face serious physical and social consequences, including paralysis, insensate skin, and potential social ostracism associated with loss of bowel and bladder control. Over time, muscle paralysis can produce contractures, joint dislocations, and spinal deformity.

Does spina bifida cause back pain?

Share on Pinterest Back pain and weakness in the limbs are common symptoms of spina bifida occulta. Tethered cord syndrome is the most common complication of spina bifida occulta. A person’s spinal cord runs from their brain down their spinal column.

How does spina bifida cause scoliosis?

The cause of scoliosis in those with spina bifida is not known, but it is likely related to other abnormalities of the spine, nerves and muscles. Scoliosis is not contagious – you cannot “catch” it from another person. There is no known cure, but the condition can be managed with treatment.

What is the average lifespan of a person with spina bifida?

Not so long ago, spina bifida was considered a pediatric illness, and patients would simply continue to see their pediatric physicians into adulthood. The average life span for an individual with the condition was 30 to 40 years, with renal failure as the most typical cause of death.

What are the chances of getting spina bifida?

Spina bifida is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. After having one child with the condition, or if a parent has the condition, there is a 4% chance the next child will also be affected.

What is the most serious form of spina bifida?

Myelomeningocele: This is the most serious type of spina bifida. When parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine, it causes myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele also causes nerve damage and other disabilities.

Is spina bifida life threatening?

Meningitis: There is a higher risk of meningitis among people with spina bifida. This can be life-threatening. Other problems: In time, the individual may experience skin problems, gastrointestinal problems, latex allergies, and depression. Skin can be more easily damaged if the person lacks sensation in the legs.

Is spina bifida a preventable disease?

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect related to but distinct from other types such as anencephaly and encephalocele. Most cases of spina bifida can be prevented if the mother gets enough folate before and during pregnancy. Adding folic acid to flour has been found to be effective for most women.