Babies Born With Spina Bifida
The spina bifida malformation occurs during pregnancy when the vertebral acid does not close properly around the spinal cord and nerves due to a disturbance and leaves an opening to the outside.
Symptoms of spina bifida
As a malformation of the spine, spina bifida can cause both physical and mental disabilities. The symptoms can vary as there are different types of spina bifida.
It mainly depends on these factors:
- Size of the vertebral gap
- Which part of the spine is affected – the higher up the back, the more serious the consequences are usually
- Whether or not the spinal cord and nerves are affected
According to these criteria, spina befida is divided into different types: Spina bifida aperta (dt. Open, visible), to which the forms myelomeningocele and meningocele belong, and spina bifida occulta (dt. Hidden, not visible).
Meningocele
In this form, the meninges are affected. It covers the brain and spinal cord. When it protrudes through the opening in the spine, it creates a fluid-filled bladder or cyst (meningocele).
Babies with this form of the disease can suffer from a variety of health problems. The decisive factor here is the impairment of the affected nerves.
Affected children can be paralyzed to different degrees or suffer from a behavioral disorder such as ADHD (attention deficit disorder).
Myelomeningocele
When people talk about spina bifida, they usually mean this form of the disease. It is the most serious type of malformation and causes disabilities that range from moderate to severe, including possible loss of mobility or tenderness in the legs.
It occurs when the meninges and the lower end of the spinal cord protrude through the opening in the spine and form a sac filled with fluid. This outer pouch can burst during delivery, exposing the spinal cord and nerves.
In addition to bone or muscle problems, babies with this malformation often develop hydrocephalus, where fluid accumulates in or around the brain.
Spina bifida occulta
This is the weakest form of spina bifida, and it often goes unnoticed for a lifetime. As the name (occulta = hidden, not visible) suggests, the malformation in this variant is “hidden” under the skin.
However, pits or birthmarks on the skin covering the defect can be possible signs. In addition, the bone marrow is not necessarily exposed in the body; it can also be firmly connected to the surrounding tissue so that the nerves may not be affected.
Most children with this form do not have long-term difficulties. Often the malformation remains undetected until later childhood or until adult life.
What causes spina bifida?
The causes of spina bifida are unknown. In order to avoid the development of this defect in the future, it is important that the cause (possibly environmental influences or genetic factors) is further researched.
However, we already know that there is a link between spina bifida and folic acid deficiency.
Spina bifida develops in the first few weeks of pregnancy. At this point in time, the expectant mother often does not know about her pregnancy.
The intake of folic acid during pregnancy can help (400 micrograms daily) to reduce the risk of malformation. However, taking it cannot guarantee a healthy pregnancy.
Other tips that can be followed to prevent this malformation include:
- Consult with your treating doctor so you can get the best treatment. Because just as no two people are the same, there are no two identical pregnancies. It is better to follow a personal treatment plan that meets the needs of both mother and child.
- Find out about the active ingredients and ingredients of the medications and dietary supplements you are taking. During pregnancy, the body reacts differently to some drugs.
- Also, watch your body temperature, as a high fever can increase your risk of spina bifida.
Treatment of spina bifida
Treatment for spina bifida varies depending on the severity. Depending on which systems occur, some children will need the support of various specialists in the long term.
This includes not only doctors, but also therapists, social workers and associations who can offer support and understanding.
Treatment is not always necessary for babies with spina bifida occulta. However, if the spinal cord is firmly connected to the surrounding tissue, surgery is essential to expose it.
After the operation, patients are usually symptom-free. In some cases, however, the spinal cord may reconnect with the tissue.
Babies with meningocele require surgery in the first few months of life. During the operation, the affected area is covered with meninges and closed.
The baby also has to undergo an operation for a myelomeningocele. It is usually done on the first or second day after the birth.
If spina bifida is detected in the early stages of pregnancy, surgery can also be done in the 25th week of pregnancy to correct the malformation.
If the child also has hydrocephalus, major surgery may be necessary.
