Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect - a type of birth defect of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. It happens if the spinal column of the fetus doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy. This can damage the nerves and spinal cord. Screening tests during pregnancy can check for spina bifida. Sometimes it is discovered only after the baby is born.The symptoms of spina bifida vary from person to person. Most people with spina bifida are of normal intelligence. Some people need assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. They may have learning difficulties, urinary and bowel problems, or hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain.The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown. It seems to run in families. Taking folic acid can reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida. It's in most multivitamins. Women who could become pregnant should take it daily.NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Disease Alternative Name

cleft spine

myelomeningocele

open spine

MainRecentTopDoctors

Recent Cases of Spina bifida

Browse recently discussed Spina bifida cases by specialists

Dr. Megha Vyas

Homeopathy

Spina bifida

#CAP - BHMS 2020 Normally, the neural tube forms early in pregnancy and it closes by the 28th day after conception. In babies with spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube doesn't close or develop properly, causing defects in the spinal ...See More

78 Views

, 2 Likes

LikeAnswers Share

0 Answer2 Likes

Concluded Case

Dr. Dhananjay Pandey

Pediatrics

Ruptured meningomyelocele with leptomeningoencephalitis

RAMA27122019 5 day old male arrived with extended neck with expiratory grunting poor activity with L/E meningomyelocele...See More

(Edited)

187 Views

, 5 Answers

LikeAnswers Share

5 Answers0 Like

Concluded answer

Dr. Muralidhar Laxmanrao Kulkarni

Pediatrics

Menigomyelocoe ruptured with secondary infection, probably meningitis. Treat with ceftriaxone inj and amikacin inj. Local dressing and other supportive treatment.

See more recent cases