Overview Of Spina Bifida

There are many birth defects in the world that affect the human body. Most Americans are not even aware of what they are or how they can have a lasting impact on someone’s life. One of the most common disabling birth defects in the United States is Spina Bifida. Every day in the United States, as many as eight babies are born with Spina Bifida or some form of a birth defect that affects the brain and spine (“What is Spina Bifida? – Spina Bifida Association”, 2014). In this paper, I will talk about the definition of Spina Bifida, the three different forms, complications, treatments and what it is like to live with this defect.

Spina Bifida or “cleft spine” is classified as a neural tube defect. This tube forms the brain and spinal cord of the fetus during the first twenty-eight days of pregnancy. If a portion of the neural tube does not form correctly or close properly, it can lead to neural tube defects including Spina Bifida. The exact cause of Spina Bifida still remains unknown until this day, but scientists believe that there are multiple factors involved including genetic, nutrition, race, some medications, diabetes, obesity and environmental (“Spina bifida Risk factors – Diseases and Conditions – Mayo Clinic”, 2011). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, studies have shown that an insufficient amount of folic acid in the mother’s diet is a key factor in causing spina bifida or other defects (“Spina Bifida Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)”, 2013).

There are three different types of Spina Bifida each varying in severity. The mildest of the three is known as Spina Bifida Occulta. This is where one or more of the vertebrae’s are deformed an...

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... these complications can be reduced dramatically. Children with the mildest form need no treatment, but occasionally may need surgery as they reach adulthood (“Spina Bifida Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)”, 2013). Children with Meningocele have surgery for treatment and children with Myelomeningocele, will have surgery within the first few days of birth to prevent infection and more damage being done to the spinal cord (“What is Spina Bifida? – Spina Bifida Association”, 2014). While the risks and complications may seem like a lot for any child with any of the forms, most of these kids grow up just fine.

With today’s medicine, between seventy-five and ninety percent of children born with Spina Bifida now live active and productive lives (“Spina bifida Coping and Support – Diseases and Conditions – Mayo Clinic”, 2011).