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Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a medical condition
which currently affects approximately 70,000 individuals in the United
States. This condition is caused by a neural tube defect which
affects the fetus in the first month of development during a woman’s
pregnancy. The following paragraphs will provide a general overview
regarding spina bifida in order to give individuals more information
relating to this rare yet serious disorder.
Types of Spina Bifida
There are 3 different types
of spina bifida. The first type is occulta which is also known
as hidden spina bifida. When an individual has this type of spina
bifida, they have a defect or gap in a few of the vertebrae. This
is a mild type of spina bifida and one which can be diagnosed later
in an individual’s life.
The second type of spina bifida
is meningocele. Meningocele is characterized by the protective
coatings, or meninges, pushing through a space in the spine which resembles
a sac. There is usually no nerve damage associated with this type
of spina bifida and individuals may experience minor disabilities yet
individuals may experience other symptoms later in life.
The last type of spina bifida
is myelomeningocele. This type of spina bifida occurs when both
the meninges and nerves come through the open part of the spine.
As this is the most serious type of spina bifida, it also has the most
serious consequences such as nerve damage and severe disabilities.
Effects of Spina Bifida
Depending on the type of spina
bifida which an individual is afflicted with, a person with this type
of medical condition may experience a variety of effects due to the
spina bifida. Some individuals may experience fluid on the brain,
full paralysis, partial paralysis, learning disabilities, depression
and bladder/bowel control issues. Every individual with spina
bifida is different and will experience different effects as a result.
It is important to note that there are many treatment and prevention methods available these days with regard to spina bifida in order to decrease the incidence thereof and provide treatment for those individuals living with this medical condition.