Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

How is spina bifida treated?

In the mildest cases of spina bifida, no treatment is required. For more severe cases, surgery to reinsert or cover the protruding meninges and spinal cord can be performed. In some cases, a shunt (hollow tube) may also be required to drain excess fluid from the brain. Later in life, depending on the severity of the condition, surgical procedures may be required on the legs and feet to help increase mobility. Bladder surgery, the use of incontinence pads or a catheter may be required to manage urinary incontinence.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is spina bifida?

Spina bifida is a birth defect involving the spine, spinal cord and the protective covering of the spinal cord called the meninges. Spina bifida occurs when the cells that form the neural tube don't 'zip' up correctly, leaving part of the spinal cord or meninges …

What are the symptoms of spina bifida?

Depending on the spinal location, type and severity of spina bifida, various signs and symptoms may be present. These may include: reduced sensation or a degree of paralysis in the lower part of the body; various degrees of urinary or bowel …

What causes spina bifida?

Spina bifida is caused by abnormal folding of cells during the early stages of an embryo's development (embryogenesis). The exact reason why this occurs is unknown, but genetic and nutritional factors, particularly lack of folate during early pregnancy, appear to …

Who develops spina bifida?

Spina bifida is a condition that develops in a growing fetus during pregnancy. It can affect both girls and boys. Expectant mothers who are at an increased risk of having a baby with spina bifida include those that have: family history of spina bifida; a previous …

How is spina bifida diagnosed?

If you are pregnant, there are prenatal tests that can be performed to identify any birth defects, such as spina bifida. Blood tests of the mother can identify abnormally high levels of alpha-fetoprotein, which is indicative of spina bifida. Alpha-fetoprotein …

Can spina bifida be cured?

Spina bifida cannot be cured. The prognosis varies with the severity of spina bifida. In most cases of mild spina bifida, there are no symptoms and an individual can go on to live their life without any restrictions. In more moderate cases, surgery can be …

Can spina bifida be prevented?

To help prevent spina bifida, take adequate amounts of folate during pregnancy, by eating foods high in folate and/or by taking folate tablets. 0.5 mg of folic acid daily for a month before and three months after conception can reduce the risk of spina …

Are there different types of spina bifida?

Depending on the location along the spine and the amount of protrusion of meninges and spinal cord, different types of spina bifida are formed. The mildest form of spina bifida is known as occulta. People with occulta have part of the vertebrae …

Is spina bifida contagious?

Spina bifida is not contagious.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome may occur when an unborn child is exposed to alcohol consumed by its mother during pregnancy. The condition may have devastating effects on the development of the fetal brain and the child’s subsequent intellectual, physical and behavioural development.…
Diseases & conditions

Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that prevents the breakdown of phenylalanine, an amino acid that plays an important role in metabolism. A build-up of phenylalanine in the body can lead to an intellectual disability.…
Diseases & conditions

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect how a person moves and controls their muscles. It is a result of damage that occurs to the brain before birth, or in the first few months after.…
Diseases & conditions

Cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions in which the two sides of a baby’s top lip or roof of the mouth do not join up during foetal development. Surgery is normally performed to correct the condition, usually between the ages of six months and two years.…
Diseases & conditions

Pectus excavatum

Pectus excavatum, also known as ‘funnel chest’ or ‘sunken chest’, is a deformity of the chest wall present from birth. The connective tissue that connects the breastbone to the ribs grows too much, so the middle of the chest appears sunken.…
Diseases & conditions

Progeria

Progeria is a rare genetic disorder that causes a child to age rapidly, giving them an average life expectancy of 13 years. Symptoms begin to appear in the first two years of life. It’s also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, or HGPS.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 07 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Votes: 365 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Fetal alcohol syndrome

×

Content goes in here.