SPINA BIFIDA

Spina bifida is a birth defect that the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its membranes containing. The term spina bifida comes from latin and literally means "split" or "open" spine.

Types of spina bifida
The causes of spina bifida are largely unknown. A high fever during pregnancy may increase the chances of a woman having a child with spina bifida. Women with epilepsy, valproic acid drugs to control seizures may be at increased risk of having a child with spina bifida have occurred.
Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of spina bifida (occulta means hidden). Most children with this type of defect never have any health problems, and spinal cord is often affected.
Meningocele involves the meninges, the membranes responsible for covering and protecting the brain and spinal cord. When the meninges through the hole in the press vertebrae (the small bone-shaped ring that form the spine), the bag is called a meningocele. Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. It occurs when the meninges push through the hole in the back, and spinal cord also expresses when. Most babies born with this type of spina bifida also have hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid in and around the brain.

Diagnosis of spina bifida
Expectant parents may be able to determine if a baby has spina bifida, for certain types of prenatal tests. If the amount is high, the test is repeated because in many cases, high afp readings are false. Doctors can also be seen on ultrasound, if a baby has spina bifida, in some cases, failure cord can be seen on the ultrasound study. Amniocentesis can also help determine if a baby has spina bifida. Many multivitamins contain the recommended dose of folic acid, too.

The symptoms of spina bifida
Babies who are born with spina bifida often have no signs or symptoms occulta. In some cases, the nerves of the spinal cord exposed.

The treatment of spina bifida
Children with spina bifida occulta rarely need treatment. In cases of spina bifida manifesta, depends on the type of treatment of spina bifida and severity. Spina bifida (split spine ") is a congenital abnormality, the spine. Spina bifida course of a division or divisions, such as the opening in the back of the spine (vertebrae). In severe cases, it goes around the spinal cord. Spina bifida is the most common group of birth defects like neural tube defects that affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are known.

There are three types of spina bifida.
• spina bifida occulta: "occult" means hidden, and the defect is not visible. Spina bifida occulta is rarely associated with complications or symptoms.
• meningocele: the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord can increase
• spina bifida foundation (myelomeningocele) is the most complex and severe spina bifida. Cystic spina bifida usually with neurological problems that are very serious and can even be fatal. This condition, which is 4000 years ago is that 94% of cases of spina bifida has been documented true.

The term "spina bifida" is often used synonymously with myelomeningocele, as this type of spina bifida, the vast majority of causes of disability. Fortunately, the operation is an effective treatment for most people with spina bifida. The extent of paralysis depends on which part of the spinal cord is involved. Spina bifida is one of the most common congenital defects serious, historically occurring in 1 per 1000 live births in the united states. The rate of spina bifida are more hispanics and whites of european descent than in ashkenazi jews, asians and african americans. The outlook for spina bifida has improved over the last ten years.