4 Signs, Symptoms and Causes

of Spina Bifida
Learn more about Spina Bifida at
http://www.spinabifida.net

Spina Bifida
Spina bifida begins usually before the
woman knows she is pregnant (day 21-28)
The tissues that form the neural tube do
not close or stay completely closed.
An opening in the vertebrae that protect
the spinal cord is formed.

Types of Spina Bifida
1. Occulta hidden
this type is covered by a layer of skin and
is not visible outside the body, however
the vertebrae are malformed.
2. Meningocele
the spinal cord membrane bulges out of an
opening that is caused by damaged or
missing vertebrae and is usually seen as a
cyst or bump covered by skin, the spinal
cord develops normally
3. Myelomeningocele
the spinal cord, nerves and membrane
sticks out from the opening in the spine,
usually breaking the skin causing spinal
fluid leakage. After surgery, paralysis is
still present.

Spina Bifida Contd
Degrees of spine exposure at birth can
cause:
Paralysis
Need for surgery
Spine problems
More mild problems that require the use of
crutches, wheelchair, or leg braces.
Can also be accompanied by learning
problems, and difficulties with bowels and
urination, as well as fluid on the brain
Potential Causes
Homocysteine concentration in the
bloodstream is increased
Homocysteine is a byproduct of
Methionine
It can be reused to recreate Methionine


Potential Causes Contd
A family with one child that has spina
bifida are 8 times more likely to have
another with the disease
Genetic factors (heredity)
Environmental factors
Nutrition
Substance exposure
Decreased folic acid intake during pregnancy
Prevention
Folate supplement given every day
H
2
0 Soluble
B vitamin
Essential for amino acid synthesis and
rapidly dividing cells
Reduces homocysteine levels by
returning it to methionine

Domestic Animals
Occurs in animals
Dogs and cats
Signs are mostly in pelvic limbs, as well as
urinary/fecal incontinence that can be
accompanied by sacrocaudal dysgenesis.
Surgical procedures may help control
difficulties and even correct condition
Treatment
Meningocele can be treated surgically to
restore normal spinal cord function
Myelomeningocele spina bifida is operated
on within 48 hours after birth to prevent
severe bacterial infection. Surgeons place
the spinal cord back in the canal and cover
it with muscle and skin. Paralysis and bowel
problems still persist after surgery.

Benefits
Decrease handicaps
Corrected brain
malformations
Risks
Infection
Blood loss
Premature delivery
Organ immaturity
Death
Fetal Surgery Treatment
Questions?
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