Definition Spina bifida is a congenital malformation caused by a disorder of the so-called neural tube during fetal development. The neural tube usually closes towards the spinal canal. This occurs in the third to fourth week of pregnancy. If this closure remains, spina bifida results. Synonyms in a broader sense Open spine, open back, spinal … Spina bifida
SymptomsComplaints of spina bifida The complaints are mainly neurological disorders. The extent of these disorders varies greatly from patient to patient. Paralysis, muscle weakness, numbness of the skin and even urinary and fecal incontinence are possible. Mentally, however, the children’s development is quite normal. The severity and type of symptoms depend on the extent of … SymptomsComplaints of spina bifida | Spina bifida
Consequences of spina bifida The consequences of spina bifida depend on the amount of nerve fibers from the spinal cord that are affected. Spina bifida occulta usually occurs without symptoms and consequences. Only superficial changes of the skin above the affected area may occur (hairiness, darker skin, dermal sinus). If nerve fibers are affected (in … Consequences of spina bifida | Spina bifida
Diagnosis of spina bifida Spina bifida occulta is usually a random finding on X-ray. A secondary dermal sinus (Sinus pilonidales) is conspicuous due to the bulging of the skin and the increased hairiness of this area. However, prenatal ultrasound examinations are decisive in the diagnosis of spina bifida. This malformation can already be detected by … Diagnosis of spina bifida | Spina bifida
Prophylaxis of spina bifida To prevent spina bifida, the mother must take in sufficient folic acid, a vitamin, during pregnancy. Neural tube defects could thus be prevented. If pregnancy is planned, folic acid preparations (4 mg a day) should be taken at least 4 weeks beforehand. However, this prophylaxis is only useful in the first … Prophylaxis of spina bifida | Spina bifida