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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 exposed outside of the spine. This can lead to damage of the exposed spinal cord, which can affect various motor and sensory bodily functions.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

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 …

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 …

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.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 07 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Votes: 1536 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Fetal alcohol syndrome

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