What´s Spina Bifida?

Summary: Spine problem, if neglected, can become dangerous. Avoid problems later by getting alert now.

In Canada, a clinical study by De Wals et al was performed to assess whether or not folic acid fortification has an effect on the recurrence of NTDs (neural tube defects), especially on upper and lower birth defects called spina bifida (De Wals et al., 2008). The study was performed in three different regions in Canada: the eastern, western and central provinces (De Wals et al., 2008). Furthermore, the population of the study was conducted on three different types of births which were livebirths, stillbirths, and termination of pregnancies, and the study was carried out through three periods included prefortification, partial fortification and full fortifications (De Wals et al., 2008). The researchers followed the scientific investigation

The prevalence went down from Oct 1998 to Dec 1999 was 2.02 per 10,000 live births. It reduced by 22.9% (Mark, 2016). Later in the years from 1999-2000 and 2003-2005, the prevalence of spina bifida falls by 6.9%. The reason of the decrease is still unknown. This decreases the prevalence of spina bifida with black population, but not within the white or Hispanic population. Those frequencies about spina bifida had been evaluated toward 1-2 cases for every 1000 population, with certain population hosting a greater frequency based on genetic predilection. Research showed folate can reduce spina bifida by 70% and decrease the severity of the disease. Myelomeningocele is the most common form of spina bifida. In the United States, approximately 1500 babies are born with myelomeningocele each year (Mark, 2016). The myelomeningocele and other neural tube defect had been declined since 20th century. According to CDC, the prevalence of spina bifida is higher in white and Hispanic population, than in the black population. According to Mark, spina bifida is detected 2 and 1.96 per in 10,000 live birth in Hispanic and white population and 1.74 per 10,000 live birth in black

Spina bifida is a type of birth defect called a neural tube defect, it happens if the spinal column of the fetus does not close completely during the first month or pregnancy, that can damage the nerves and spinal cord" (U.S National Library Medicine, 2014). Spina bifida's symptoms are defending on how severe the defect is. Children with mild form of spina bifida do not have any problems. According to WebMD, children with the most severe form often, have spine, and brain issues that cause serious problems (2014). Scientists believed that spina bifida is caused by a condition of genetic and environmental factors such as the mother's nutrition. "The long-term problems associated with spina bifida are; bowel problems, muscles movement, sensation, intellect and education, sexual function, emotional and family support (which are the most, needed on both affected person and their family), and urine and kidney problem; almost all

Spina Bifida is a birth defect in which a baby’s spine fails to develop properly during pregnancy due to neural tube defects. These neural tube defects prevent the backbone from forming around the spine and closing properly. Spina Bifida can be detected during pregnancy or after birth and in

Bipolar disorder is generally a term that society and the media have stigmatized as something horrid. A mental illness that has labeled the individual as crazy due to the extreme pendulum of mood swings. Where we know the individual diagnosed with the disorder is usually happy, sad, irritated, and depressed all in a short period of time. Often times when typically functioning people cringe at the idea of having the mental illness.

Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. Spina Bifida happens when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all the way.There are four types of Spina Bifida, Occulta, Closed Neural tube defects, Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele. Spina Bifida Occulta is one or more vertebrae are not properly formed. In Closed Neural tube defects it consists of a diverse group of defects in which the spinal cord is marked by malformations of fat, bone, or meninges. Meningocele is spinal fluid and meninges protrude through an abnormal vertebral opening. And Myelomeningocele is the most severe and occurs when the spinal cord/neural elements are exposed through the opening in the spine, resulting

These diagnostic tests will be performed if the symptoms lead the practicioner to believe it may be Dandy-Walker Syndrome (NORD-National Organization for Rare Disorders, 2008). An initial diagnosis may be made with the use of an ultrasound, but an MRI should be used to get more details of the malformation of the cerebellum (Incesu, 2015). A CT scan can be used to determine if hydrocephalus is present because of Dandy-Walker or if it is related to another etiologies (Incesu, 2015). Diagnosis may also be made during the prenatal period through ultrasound and fetal MRI (NORD-National Organization for Rare Disorders,

One of the most important determinant of fetal viability is the pulmonary system development and maturity. The prenatal awareness of any abnormalities or anomalies going to ensure better management of the pregnancy, also giving the opportunity for the medical team and parents to prepare for the delivery and postnatal treatment. Congenital malformations of the fetal thorax are common which can involve many organs. Early detection and accurate diagnosis of fetal pathology are possible by using ultrasound and MRI imaging.

The second type of spina bifida is known as Meningocele. Meningocele causes a sack of fluid to come through an opening of the infant’s back (CDC). The spinal cord is not connected to the sack on the infant’s back. People who suffer from this type of spina bifida could have minor to no damage of the nerves. Also symptoms vary for meningocele. Symptoms range from little to none, all the way to paralysis of legs with bladder and bowel

Scientists have found that spina bifida has been in existence for thousands of years. In the mid-1600s Nicolaas Tulp, a Dutch anatomist, first described the disease in detail and gave it the name spina bifida. He described this disease, along with over 200 others, in his book Observations Medicae. Later in 1761, Giovanni Battista Morgangni contributed to the knowledge of spina bifida when he described hydrocephalus and its association with spina bifida. German doctors Rudolf Verchow and Hans Chiari helped contribute to spina bifida research. Verchow came up with the name spina bifida occulta in 1875. In 1891, Chiari described a condition where the cerebellum sticks out into the upper part of the spinal column, and it was named Chiari type II malformations (Watson, 2009).

In a women’s 2nd trimester of her pregnancy, she can have a blood test called the “quadruple screen” to determine if her child has spina bifida. The fetus and placenta give off a protein called AHP (maternal alpha-fetoprotein), which will appear in the mother’s bloodstream. If the test shows a higher than average level of AFP (maternal alpha-fetoprotein) then it may indicate that the baby has a spinal opening. Sometimes doctors can diagnose with an ultrasound on the baby in utero, many times the malformation can be seen. However, the baby may not be diagnosed until birth. In this case, the doctor would run an MRI, CT, or X-ray to confirm the status of the

Scientists do not know why spina bifida occurs in newborns, but they do believe it is caused by a variety of factors during the first few months of the pregnancy. These factors include radiation, genetic mutations, the use of drugs or alcohol, etc. Doctors can identify this disorder before the baby is born with the help of an ultrasound. The ultrasound would show the small incision in

The human spine is a medical marvel of sorts, which is not only responsible for helping us to move or lift things, but to bare our body weight, and preserve a normal body alignment. It’s impossible to exist without a spine. Scoliosis is defined as the curvature of the spine and although it isn’t specifically considered a disease, it is very serious complication resulting from a multitude of different symptoms with no definite known cause. Fortunately, with the passing of time, and development of new technologies doctors are now treating this debilitating condition in numerous ways. We will explore the different technologies caregivers are currently using to fix this malformation using studies and articles written by doctors treating this

Currently, there are four prenatal diagnosis techniques used. The first, and safest method, is an ultrasound. It is noninvasive and can assess and evaluate gestational age, fetal position, growth, development, and any structural birth defects. When performed by highly skilled operators, abnormalities can be detected with as high as 90% accuracy (IOM 1994).