Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida
Spina bifida begins usually before the
woman knows she is pregnant (day 2128)
The tissues that form the neural tube do
not close or stay completely closed.
An opening in the vertebrae that protect
the spinal cord is formed.

Types of Spina Bifida

1.

2.

3.

Occulta hidden
this type is covered by a layer of skin
and is not visible outside the body,
however the vertebrae are malformed.
Meningocele
the spinal cord membrane bulges out of
an opening that is caused by damaged
or missing vertebrae and is usually
seen as a cyst or bump covered by skin,
the spinal cord develops normally
Myelomeningocele
the spinal cord, nerves and membrane
sticks out from the opening in the
spine, usually breaking the skin causing
spinal fluid leakage. After surgery,
paralysis is still present.

Spina Bifida Contd

Degrees of spine exposure at birth can
cause:

Paralysis
Need for surgery
Spine problems
More mild problems that require the use of
crutches, wheelchair, or leg braces.

Can also be accompanied by learning

problems, and difficulties with bowels and
urination, as well as fluid on the brain

Potential Causes
Homocysteine concentration in the
bloodstream is increased
Homocysteine is a byproduct of Methionine
It can be reused to recreate Methionine

Potential Causes Contd

A family with one child that has spina
bifida are 8 times more likely to have
another with the disease
Genetic factors (heredity)
Environmental factors
Nutrition
Substance exposure
Decreased folic acid intake during pregnancy

Prevention
Folate supplement given every day
H20 Soluble
B vitamin
Essential for amino acid synthesis and rapidly
dividing cells
Reduces homocysteine levels by returning it
to methionine

Domestic Animals
Occurs in animals
Dogs and cats
Signs are mostly in pelvic limbs, as well as
urinary/fecal incontinence that can be
accompanied by sacrocaudal dysgenesis.

Surgical procedures may help control

difficulties and even correct condition

Treatment
Meningocele can be treated surgically to
restore normal spinal cord function
Myelomeningocele
spina
bifida
is
operated on within 48 hours after birth
to prevent severe bacterial infection.
Surgeons place the spinal cord back in
the canal and cover it with muscle and
skin. Paralysis and bowel problems still
persist after surgery.

Fetal Surgery Treatment

Benefits
Decrease handicaps
Corrected brain
malformations
Risks
Infection
Blood loss
Premature delivery
Organ immaturity
Death