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Spina Bifida
What is Spina Bifida?
Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Spina Bifida?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Publicaciones en Español
Additional resources from MEDLINEplus
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect (a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their
protective coverings) caused by the failure of the fetus's spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. Infants
born with SB sometimes have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred.
Although the spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent, resulting in varying
degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs. Even when there is no lesion present there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae
and accompanying nerve damage. In addition to physical and mobility difficulties, most individuals have some form of learning
disability. The three most common types of SB are: myelomeningocele, the severest form, in which the spinal cord and its protective
covering (the meninges) protrude from an opening in the spine; meningocele in which the spinal cord develops normally but
the meninges protrude from a spinal opening; and occulta, the mildest form, in which one or more vertebrae are malformed and
covered by a layer of skin. SB may also cause bowel and bladder complications, and many children with SB have hydrocephalus
(excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain).
Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. Treatment for the variety of effects of SB
may include surgery, medication, and physiotherapy. Many individuals with SB will need assistive devices such as braces, crutches,
or wheelchairs. Ongoing therapy, medical care, and/or surgical treatments may be necessary to prevent and manage complications
throughout the individual's life. Surgery to close the newborn's spinal opening is generally performed within 24 hours after
birth to minimize the risk of infection and to preserve existing function in the spinal cord.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with SB depends on the number and severity of abnormalities. Prognosis is poorest for those
with complete paralysis, hydrocephalus, and other congenital defects. With proper care, most children with SB live well into
adulthood.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports a broad range of research on neural tube defects such as SB aimed at finding ways to treat, prevent, and,
ultimately, cure these disorders. Recent studies have shown that the addition of folic acid to the diet of women of child-bearing
age may significantly reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. Therefore it is recommended that all women of child-bearing
age consume 0.4 mg of folic acid daily.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
Publicaciones en Español
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Espina BífidaLa espina bífida, que literalmente significa "columna hendida," está caracterizada por el desarrollo incompleto del cerebro,
la médula espinal, o las meninges (la cubierta protectora alrededor del cerebro y la médula espinal). Es el defecto del
tubo neural más común en los Estados Unidos; afecta de 1,500 a 2,000 de los más de 4 millones de bebés nacidos anualmente
en el país.
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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