What is

Spina

Bifida?

Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves

the incomplete development of the spinal

cord or its coverings. The term spina

bifida comes from Latin and literally

means "split" or "open" spine.

Spina bifida occurs at the end of the first

month of pregnancy when the two sides of

the embryo's spine fail to join together, leaving

an open area. In some cases, the spinal cord or

other membranes may push through this

opening in the back. The condition usually

is detected before a baby is born and treated

right away.

Types of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of

spina bifida (occulta means hidden). Most

children with this type of defect never have

any health problems, and the spinal cord is

often unaffected.

Spina bifida manifesta includes two types of spina bifida:

1. Meningocele involves the meninges, the membranes responsible for covering and protecting the brain and spinal cord. If the meninges push through the hole in the vertebrae (the small, ring-like bones that make up the spinal column), the sac is called a meningocele.

2. Myelomeningocele is the most severe form

of spina bifida. It occurs when the meninges

push through the hole in the back, and the

spinal cord also pushes though. Most babies

who are born with this type of spina bifida

also have hydrocephalus, an accumulation of

fluid in and around the brain.

Samuel Armas, 9, proudly displays

ribbons he's won for swimming.

Backstroke is his best stroke, he said.

Because of the abnormal development of and damage to the spinal cord, a child with myelomeningocele typically has some paralysis. The degree of paralysis largely depends on where the opening occurs in the spine. The higher the opening is on the back, the more severe the paralysis tends to be.

Children with spina bifida often have problems with bowel and bladder control, and some may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other learning difficulties, such as hand-eye coordination problems.

Maternal folic acid deficiency has been

inked to spina bifida, and researchers

believe that many cases can be prevented

if women of childbearing age consume

folic acid every day.

It is important that folic acid consumption start before the onset of pregnancy to provide the best protection. Good sources of folic acid include eggs, orange juice, and dark green leafy vegetables. Many multivitamins contain the recommended dose of folic acid, too.