Question 1

what is spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord disorder: The spinal cord forms as an open tube that starts to close from the middle out to the two ends.  The entire closure is done by about ten weeks.  If the closure is not normal than a condition known as spina bifida occurs.  Open spina bifida is when there is an opening in the spinal column to the skin.  Closed spina bifida is when there is an opening in the spinal column but it has a thin cover.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

do you deal with spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

A life-long story: Spina bifida prevention begins before pregnancy, with folate (folic acid) supplements. Tests are done in pregnancy to prevent spina bifida newborns. If born with it, a child enrolls in a spina bifida clinic at a childrens' hospital. The child needs help with peeing & pooping, mobility (braces, wheelchairs), and with integrating into regular schools. His life will be like that of someone paralyzed in both legs.

Question 5

what are the signs of spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

Spina Bifida: Depends on the type;
1. Spina bifida occulta shows small gap in 1 or more of spinal bones, seen in newborn as a small dimple or birth mark or tuft of hair or fat collection.
2. Meningocele shows as bulging of meninges (sheath around spinal cord) through the opening in back.
3. Myelomeningocele is wider protrusion through several vertebrae, forming a large sac. This is most severe.

Question 6

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 7

can you tell me what spina bifida means?

Accepted Answer

Split spine.: Spina bifida is a generic term used to describe congenital malformations of the spine (typically lower spine). It can be mild to very severe and be associated with a variety of conditions.

Question 8

what can you tell me about spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

Spina bifida: Spina bifida is a very generic term that covers a lot of disorders of the spine that occur at birth. These can range from defects in the spinal bone to loss of the muscle and skin covering leading to herniation of the spinal cord and roots. There are a wide variety of causes known.

Question 9

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 10

later side afects of occult spina bifida?

Accepted Answer

No: Spina bifida occulta results from failure of the two lamina of one vertebra to make a solid bony fusion. The defect is generally bisecting the spinous process vertically. No instability is present. No neurologic dysfunction is present because neural elements are not affected. But associated neurological problems which may be symptomatic are more common in association with spina bifida occulta.

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