Spina Bifida Awareness Month 2013 is celebrated in October!

Spina Bifida Awareness Month 2013 is October.

Spina bifida occurs when there is a fault in the development of a person’s spine spine (and spinal cord). This fault leaves a gap in their spine. Of course this means that there is a problem with the brain communicating with the rest of the body because the brain uses the spinal cord as the connection.

Spina bifida is a fault in the development of the spine and spinal cord which leaves a gap in the spine.

The spinal cord connects all parts of the body to the brain.

What causes spina bifida?

During the first month of life, an embryo (developing baby) grows a structure called the neural tube that will eventually form the spine and nervous system.

In cases of spina bifida, something goes wrong and the spinal column (the bone that surrounds and protects the nerves) does not fully close. Spina bifida is also known as split spine.

The exact causes are unknown, but several risk factors have been identified, the most significant being a lack of folic acid before and at the very start of pregnancy.

Read more about the causes of spina bifida and preventing spina bifida

Myelomeningocele

There are a number of different types of spina bifida, the most serious being myelomeningocele (affecting one pregnancy in every 1,000 in Britain).

These pages focus on myelomeningocele and this is the type of spina bifida referred to whenever the term spina bifida is used.

In myelomeningocele, the spinal column remains open along the bones making up the spine. The membranes and spinal cord push out to create a sac in the baby’s back. This sometimes leaves the nervous system vulnerable to infections that may be fatal.

In most cases of myelomeningocele, surgery can be carried out to close the defect. However, damage to the nervous system will usually already have taken place, resulting in a range of symptoms, including:

• partial or total paralysis of the lower limbs. This is why many with the condition often use wheelchairs similar to what you could find at Scooters ‘N Chairs.
• bowel incontinence and urinary incontinence
• loss of skin sensation

Read more about the symptoms of spina bifida.

Most babies with myelomeningocele will also develop hydrocephalus, which is excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain. Hydrocephalus needs to be treated urgently with surgery as the pressure on the brain can cause brain damage. Read more about hydrocephalus

Folic Acid

Scientific research has proved that folic acid supplements taken by a woman for a period of time before conception and through her pregnancy can reduce the incidence of spina bifida and other NTDs in the fetus by as much as 70%. Health Canada recommends that all women of child bearing age eat folate-rich foods every day and take a daily multivitamin which contains 0.4mg of folic acid.

Women with a family history of neural tube defects are at increased risk and should consult their physician to determine the amount of folic acid they should be taking. Visit www.folicacid.ca for more information.

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain. It may be present at birth of may develop later in life. The high fluid pressures on the brain can result in lasting effects. These may include impaired vision, hearing, mobility and coordination along with seizures, headaches, hormonal imbalance and learning disabilities.

How is Hydrocephalus Treated?

Treatment for hydrocephalus usually involves surgically implanting a flexible tube (a shunt) into the ventricles of the brain to drain away excess cerebrospinal fluid. With treatment, intelligence and lifespan are similar to those of the general population. However, most people with hydrocephalus will have some form of learning disabilities.

Latex Allergy Alert

Studies have shown that up to 73% of individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus are allergic to natural latex, the sap of the rubber tree. Sensitivity to latex can happen at any time.

Treating spina bifida

A number of different treatments can be used to treat symptoms or conditions associated with spina bifida.

These can include:

• surgery on the spine – at birth to repair the spine, and corrective surgery later in life if further problems develop
• surgery to treat hydrocephalus – for example, placing a shunt
• therapies to help improve day to day life and boost independence – such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• assistive technology – such as a manual or electric wheelchair or computer software to help with schoolwork and writing
• treatments for bowel and urinary problems

Read more about how spina bifida is treated and complications of spina bifida.

It is likely that children with spina bifida will survive well into adulthood. It can be a challenging condition to live with, but many adults with spina bifida are able to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

VIDEO HERE

According to the UK’s NHS website:

“During the first month of life, an embryo (developing baby) grows a structure called the neural tube that will eventually form the spine and nervous system. In cases of spina bifida, something goes wrong and the spinal column (the bone that surrounds and protects the nerves) does not fully close. Spina bifida is also known as split spine. The exact causes are unknown, but several risk factors have been identified, the most significant being a lack of folic acid before and at the very start of pregnancy.”

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