Swango
Spina Bifida
Shannon Sullen
February 25, 2013
Extended Research
Anatomy 5th Period
What is Spina Bifida?
Myelomeningocele, also known as Spina Bifida, is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. It occurs when the bones of the vertebrae do not form properly around part of the baby’s spinal cord.
What are the causes?
The cause of this birth defect is not known. Experts think that genes and the environment are part of the cause. Women who do not have enough folic acid during the pregnancy have a higher chance of giving birth to a baby with spina bifida. If a woman gives birth to a baby with spina bifida, she has a higher risk of having another baby with spina bifida. Women with diabetes are more likely to have a baby with spina bifida.
Who does it affect; age group?
Spina Bifida affects babies and newborns.
What types of treatments are available?
Treatment depends on several factors, mainly how severe the individual's signs and symptoms are. In most cases of spina bifida, no treatment is needed. Some types of treatments are:
Surgery - If surgery is needed, this is usually done to repair the spine within two days of birth.
Hydrocephalus - Surgery will be required to treat a buildup of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) in the brain.
Physical therapy- This is a part of the child's treatment, which will help him/her become as independent as possible, as well as preventing the lower limb muscles from weakening.
Prenatal surgery - The surgeon opens the uterus and repairs the unborn baby's spinal cord.
Is it curable?
There is no cure for spina bifida, because the nerve tissue that is damaged or lost cannot be repaired or replaced.
Folic acid, also called folate, is an important vitamin in the development of a healthy fetus and this vitamin can help xdzdd
Shannon Sullen
February 25, 2013
Extended Research
Anatomy 5th Period
What is Spina Bifida?
Myelomeningocele, also known as Spina Bifida, is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. It occurs when the bones of the vertebrae do not form properly around part of the baby’s spinal cord.
What are the causes?
The cause of this birth defect is not known. Experts think that genes and the environment are part of the cause. Women who do not have enough folic acid during the pregnancy have a higher chance of giving birth to a baby with spina bifida. If a woman gives birth to a baby with spina bifida, she has a higher risk of having another baby with spina bifida. Women with diabetes are more likely to have a baby with spina bifida.
Who does it affect; age group?
Spina Bifida affects babies and newborns.
What types of treatments are available?
Treatment depends on several factors, mainly how severe the individual's signs and symptoms are. In most cases of spina bifida, no treatment is needed. Some types of treatments are:
Surgery - If surgery is needed, this is usually done to repair the spine within two days of birth.
Hydrocephalus - Surgery will be required to treat a buildup of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) in the brain.
Physical therapy- This is a part of the child's treatment, which will help him/her become as independent as possible, as well as preventing the lower limb muscles from weakening.
Prenatal surgery - The surgeon opens the uterus and repairs the unborn baby's spinal cord.
Is it curable?
There is no cure for spina bifida, because the nerve tissue that is damaged or lost cannot be repaired or replaced.
Folic acid, also called folate, is an important vitamin in the development of a healthy fetus and this vitamin can help xdzdd