Spina bifida is a congenital condition that occurs when the spinal cord and nerve tube do not close completely during embryonic development. This condition can affect the spinal cord and nerves and cause various symptoms. Pre-pregnancy vitamin intake, pregnancy monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of spina bifida. It is also important to offer education and support to individuals and families.
Treatment may include surgical intervention, physical therapy and other medical methods. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve an individual's quality of life. A healthy pregnancy and appropriate medical intervention can positively affect the quality of life of individuals.
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida is a congenital condition in which the spinal cord and nerve tube do not close during embryonic development. Genetic and environmental factors can interact to predispose to this condition. The condition usually develops in the first months of pregnancy and is more common in those with a family history, folic acid deficiency before pregnancy and those with certain genetic factors.
Although spina bifida can be diagnosed prenatally, its effects vary with age. Treatment and management is usually carried out during childhood and adolescence, but can continue throughout life. In later life, symptoms can be effective due to spinal cord and nervous system complications.
What Causes Spina Bifida?
The interaction of genetic and environmental factors plays a major role in the development of spina bifida. This complex condition occurs when the spinal cord and nerve tube do not close completely during embryonic development. Folate (folic acid) deficiency, certain medications used during pregnancy, genetic predisposition and various environmental factors can increase the risk of spina bifida.
Adequate folic acid intake, especially during pre-pregnancy, can reduce the likelihood of spina bifida and other neural tube defects. At the same time, a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors can contribute to the development of spina bifida. Therefore, the causes of spina bifida are a complex combination and can vary from individual to individual.
What Are the Types of Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida is broadly divided into two main categories, Spina Bifida Occulta and Spina Bifida Aperta. Spina Bifida Occulta is the mildest form and is usually asymptomatic or presents with minimal symptoms. It involves a closure defect that cannot be seen from the outside and does not usually affect the spinal cord and nerves. Spina Bifida Aperta is the more serious form and includes two subtypes.
Meningomyelocele can protrude the spinal cord, membranes and sometimes nerves in the lumbar region, causing serious neurological problems. Myelocele is a rarer condition in which the spinal cord, membranes and nerves can be found outside in an open sac, often leading to more serious complications. Each type of spina bifida is associated with different symptoms and treatment methods may vary depending on the specific condition. Diagnosis and treatment processes differ from individual to individual.
What are the symptoms of spina bifida?
Symptoms of spina bifida vary depending on the type and severity. Symptoms of spina bifida, especially as a congenital condition, can include
Loss of Sensory or Motor Function: Due to the opening in the spinal cord, the individual may experience sensory loss or loss of motor function.
Problems with Urinary and Fecal Control: Spina bifida can affect urinary and fecal control, which can cause incontinence problems.
Visible Cleft in the Spine: The obvious physical sign of spina bifida is a visible cleft in the spine caused by the opening in the spinal cord.
Symptoms may vary depending on the type of spina bifida and may differ in each individual. Treatment and management are individualized depending on the severity of the symptoms and the type of spina bifida. Early diagnosis is important to minimize the effects of symptoms and determine appropriate treatment strategies.
How is Spina Bifida Diagnosed?
Spina bifida is usually diagnosed in the prenatal or postnatal period using clinical evaluations and imaging tests. Ultrasonography during pregnancy is an important tool in detecting neural tube defects by examining the baby's spine in detail.
Amniocentesis is used to evaluate spina bifida or other genetic disorders by examining genetic material. Levels of certain proteins and enzymes in maternal blood can help assess the risk of spina bifida. Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is another imaging test that can be used to evaluate the baby's spine in more detail.
Prenatal diagnosis is important for determining the severity of spina bifida and planning appropriate treatment strategies. Once a diagnosis has been made, a team approach is taken, with specialists, the family and the patient working together to develop a treatment and management plan.
How is spina bifida treated?
Spina bifida treatment is individualized, taking into account the severity, type and symptoms of the condition. Treatment usually includes surgical intervention, rehabilitation, medication and a multidisciplinary approach.
Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention is often used to treat spina bifida. These surgical operations aim to close the spinal cord, straighten the nerves and correct other defects in the spine.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation methods such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy focus on improving the individual's motor skills, activities of daily living and communication skills.
Medication: Medications can be used to manage the symptoms of spina bifida or treat complications. Various medications may be prescribed to control urination, nerve pain and other symptoms.
Multidisciplinary Approach: A multidisciplinary team approach is important in the treatment of spina bifida. This team usually includes neurologists, surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and other specialists. The family and patient are involved as part of the treatment plan.