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Spina Bifida Information Center
Spina bifida is a birth defect in which the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not form properly around the spinal cord. This can occur anywhere along the spine. Spina bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects called "Neural Tube Defects". A neural tube defect (NTD) is a birth defect that occurs when the spine, the brain, or the bone and skin that protect them do not develop properly. The neural tube is the part of a developing fetus that grows into the spinal cord and brain.
Spina bifida develops in a fetus early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. In the United States, about 1 in every 2,000 children is born with spina bifida. It is one of the most common birth defects, although the rates have steadily declined in recent years. It is one of the most common birth defects, although the rates have steadily declined in recent years.
There are two main types of spina bifida:
Spina bifida occulta is the mildest and most common form. The spinal defect is hidden under the skin and does not usually cause problems or need treatment. Doctors estimate that 10% to 24% of the general population unknowingly have this spinal defect. In some cases, a dimple, depression, birthmark, or hairy patch forms over the skin where more than one vertebrae is affected. This is referred to as occult spinal dysraphism (OSD).
Spina bifida manifesta is the severe but rare form of this birth defect. It often is associated with nerve damage that can result in problems with walking, bladder control, and coordination. It can be separated into two classes, meningocele and myelomeningocele.
In meningocele, fluid leaks out of the spinal canal, causing a swollen area over the baby's spine.
In myelomeningocele, a segment of the spinal nerves pushes out of the spinal canal against the underside of the skin. The nerves are often damaged. In the worst cases, the skin is open and the nerves are exposed to the outside of the body.
Symptoms of spina bifida depend on the severity of the condition. In spina bifida occulta, there may be no symptoms or only a dimple, depression, birthmark, or hairy patch over the affected vertebrae.
In spina bifida manifesta, there may be swelling over the affected vertebrae. If the nerves are damaged, the child may have problems with walking, bladder control, and coordination. The child may experience numbness and paralysis in the legs, and less commonly in the arms.
Doctors are not certain of the exact cause of spina bifida but believe that both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Spina bifida manifesta is most common among babies born to women whose ancestors came from the British Isles. It is much less common among babies born to women whose ancestors came from Africa. Women who have had one child with spina bifida are more likely to have another child with spina bifida.
Other factors that may increase the risk for having a baby with spina bifida include:
*Folic acid deficiency.
*Taking certain medications, such as those to treat epilepsy or acne.
*Excessive use of alcohol.
*Exposure to high temperatures.
*Having Diabetes.
*Being Obese.
The maternal serum triple test uses a blood sample from the mother to screen for fetal abnormalities, including neural tube defects. When tests show elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, are more likely. A high-resolution fetal ultrasound may then be done to try and determine whether the fetus has any visible abnormalities. Usually only signs of severe spina bifida (manifesta) are detected by fetal ultrasound.
Amniocentesis usually is also done when the maternal serum triple test indicates a high level of AFP. Amniocentesis allows health professionals to measure the levels of substances in the amniotic fluid of the fetus. Because abnormalities related to spina bifida are not always revealed by fetal ultrasound, an amniocentesis may be done even without first having an ultrasound or if an ultrasound is done and appears normal.
Spina bifida is usually diagnosed when amniocentesis results confirm heightened levels of AFP and the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (ACH), and the ultrasound shows fetal abnormalities in the spine that are specific to spina bifida. After birth, spina bifida may be diagnosed by the appearance of the back. An X-ray, MRI, or CT Scan may be done to evaluate suspected spina bifida.
Having enough folic acid (a B vitamin) in your diet is an important part of preventing spina bifida and other neural tube defects. However, to be effective, it needs to be consumed before a baby is conceived. To reduce the risk of spina bifida, most women need 400 ug of folic acid a day. Women who are at risk (such as those who have already had a child with spina bifida) should take 4,000 ug of folic acid a day. Folic acid may be obtained from vitamin supplements and by eating foods rich in folic acid, such as avocados, black beans, and asparagus. Since 1998, the United States government has required that foods made from grains and sold in the United States be supplemented with folic acid to help reduce the risk for spina bifida.
If you take medications for epilepsy or acne, talk with your doctor before you become pregnant about the risk for having a baby with spina bifida. Do not drink while pregnant. Women who drink large amounts of alcohol during their pregnancy have an increased risk of having a child with physical and mental effects from alcohol exposure. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy. Avoid exposure to excessive heat, such as saunas or soaking in a very hot bath, during the first weeks of your pregnancy. A high fever during the first weeks of pregnancy could also lead to your baby developing spina bifida.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Surgery may be done to repair the spinal defect or to correct complications such as hydrocephalus. Physical therapy, braces, and other treatments may be necessary to help the child with problems resulting from nerve damage.
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