Where one’s (baby) spine does not develop properly in the womb as a result there is a gap in the spine.
It is detected before child birth or after the baby is born.
There are several different types of spina bifida, including:
Myelomeningocele – is the most severe type of spina bifida; the baby’s spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae in the back, allowing the spinal cord and protective membranes around it to push out and form a sac in the baby’s back
Meningocele – is another serious type of spina bifida where the protective membranes around the spinal cord (meninges) push out through the spine; the spinal cord usually develops normally so surgery can often be used to remove the membranes without damaging the nerves
Spina bifida occulta – is the most common and mildest type of spina bifida; one or more vertebrae don’t form properly but the gap in the spine is very small; spina bifida occulta doesn’t usually cause any problems and most people are unaware that they have it.
Women thought to be at higher risk of having a child with spina bifida need to be prescribed a higher (5 milligram) dose of folic acid by their Medical Doctor.
Women at higher risk include those:
With a family history of neural tube defects
With a partner with a family history of neural tube defects
Who’ve had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect
Abnormal union or fusion of two or more bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) within the neck (Klippel-Feil syndrome)
Impairment or absence of certain eye (ocular) movements (Duane syndrome)
Hearing impairment
Medication
Lack of folic acid supplement and/or medication that may affect folic acid levels (always check whether medication is safe to take during pregnancy, ask your pharmacist)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Spinal Bifida in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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