Question 1

is spina bifida hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Studies show that : the incidence of neural tube defects (NTD's) like open Spina Bifida would decrease by 70%  if all women took 0.4mg of Folic Acid daily from menarche to menopause. However, this dose does not prevent NTD's in offspring of women with variations in several genes involved in folate (folic acid) &amp; homocysteine metabolism. There are also inheritable genetic causes of NTD's that are not related to folate (folic acid) metabolism.

Question 2

who discovered spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

Although depictions : of people with Spina Bifida go back 12,000 years, Amsterdam's Dr. Nicholas Tulp named the disorder between 1618-1652. Dr. Giovanni Battista Morgagni an Italian, linked lower-limb deformity &amp;  hydrocephalus to Spina Bifida in 1761. Studies show that the incidence of NTD's could decrease by as much as 70% if all women were to take a daily Folic Acid supplement from menarche to menopause.

Question 3

what are the tests for spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

Spina bifida: Spina bifida is usually diagnosed by x-ray for MRI of the lower spine. In the new born it can also be done with an ultrasound.

Question 4

how many forms of spina bifida are there?

Accepted Answer

Many: Embryonic development involves progressive closure of the neuro cord which becomes the spine.  This closure may be slightly incomplete ( occult) or remain a cyst (meningomyelocele) or remain completely open.  In some the pelvis and anus do not develop properly.  Nerves to bladder, bowel, and legs may only partially develop.  The brain may not develop properly, and hydrocephalus may develop.

Question 5

what is spina bifida and how is it caused?

Accepted Answer

Congenital: This is a failure of the bones to fuse at birth usually in the lower spine.  Sometimes the nerves to the legs and bladder are also malformed.  So in effect, you are born with it.

Question 6

could my nephew have spina bifida if i did?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Spina bifida (there are several types) is associated with some known genetic defects however the majority of cases are spontaneous and most cases are more likely related to folate (folic acid) deficiency during pregnancy. The general answer is that this is unlikely to occur in your nephew.

Question 7

need expert help here. what are all types of spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

Spina bifida: It would take a textbook to answer this question as they are many types and severity. In short spina bifida can be mild with no skin stigmata such as spina bifida occulta. To the more severe disorder where this is actual herniation of the spinal cord through the skin and muscle and again there are both mild and severe forms of this.

Question 8

what causes meningocele / spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

Genetics usually: Altho there is high correlation with genetics causing meningocele / spina bifida, drugs (especially chemotherapeutics) and low blood folate (folic acid) during gestation or abdominal / pelvic irradiation during pregnancy are known causes.

Question 9

are men with spina bifida less fertile?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: It depends on the level of the spina bifida.  Low lesions (sacral) can lead to loss of ejaculation.  If the man is in a wheel chair, sperm quality can also be affected.  Many treatment options are available with a male fertility specialist.

Question 10

what is the reason someone gets spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

Spina Bifida: Combination of Genetic &amp; Environmental risk factors, such as Family history of Neural tube defects &amp; Folic acid deficiency, White or Hispanic race, Female sex, some anti-seizure medications taken during pregnancy such as Depakote, Obese Diabetic women who get pregnant &amp; their Diabetes not controlled, &amp; women who develop Fever during pregnancy.

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Spina bifida brochure

A member asked:

Is spina bifida hereditary?

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Who discovered spina bifida?

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What are the tests for spina bifida?

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How many forms of spina bifida are there?

A member asked:

What is spina bifida and how is it caused?

A member asked:

Could my nephew have spina bifida if i did?

A member asked:

Need expert help here. what are all types of spina bifida?

A member asked:

What causes meningocele / spina bifida?

A member asked:

Are men with spina bifida less fertile?

A member asked:

What is the reason someone gets spina bifida?

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