Spina bifida is a spine-related congenital abnormality. It happens when the spine partially opens up during pregnancy, exposing the spinal cord and nerves. Depending on the location and seriousness of the damage, the severity of spina bifida can range from mild to severe.
The three primary varieties of spina bifida are:
The most severe kind of spina bifida is myelomeningocele. It happens when the spinal cord and meninges, the membranes that surround the spinal cord and the brain, protrude through the spine. A wide range of impairments, such as paralysis, bowel and bladder issues, and learning deficits, can be brought on by myelomeningocele.
A less severe form of spina bifida is meningocele. Only the meninges can protrude through a spine's opening when this happens. Although meningocele typically does not result in any severe disabilities, it occasionally can cause issues with bowel and bladder control.
The mildest form of spina bifida is called spina bifida occulta. It happens when there is a little gap in the spine, but the spinal cord and meninges do not pass through it. Spina bifida occulta typically does not result in any issues, however it occasionally can cause back pain or issues with bowel and bladder control.
The location and severity of the lesion, as well as other characteristics, determine the type of spina bifida that a baby is born with. The likelihood that spina bifida can be surgically corrected increases with the time between diagnosis and delivery.
Consult your doctor about the best course of action if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with spina bifida while pregnant. Spina bifida patients can live long, robust lives with early diagnosis and treatment.
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