SPINA Bifida is a Latin term literally translated to mean split spine used to describe an embryonic neural tube defect which occurs during the early embryological development.
“Spina Bifida is the most common birth defect of the central nervous system involving incomplete closure of the tube that forms the spinal cord and column,” Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza in Old Harbour said.
She explained that during the development of a baby the nervous tissue brain and spinal cord begins as a group of cells that resemble a plate that rolls together to form what is known as the neural tube. She noted that as it matures it becomes differentiated to form the brain, spinal cord, and its coverings both soft tissues and bone (spinal …show more content…
“Knowledge of the extent of the child’s disability can generally identified by the level at which the defect is located along the spinal cord. This can be anywhere along the cord and from this point downward the cord is usually damaged,” Dr Griffith said.
Below, Dr Griffith has shared insights on the four deficits she previously alluded to:
1) Spina Bifida occulta (hidden)
Spina Bifida occulta (hidden) is the most common and mildest form of the disease. “This form of the disease is usually not obvious to the naked eye and is covered with skin but there may be a dimple or patch of hair at the site of the defect however there may be no associated symptoms,” Dr Griffith said.
2)Meningocoele
“This form is uncommon and involves the protrusion of the brain coverings, through the opening in the vertebrae,” Dr Griffith said. This she said however is treatable with surgery.
3) …show more content…
Dr Griffith said this type typically refers to a lesion which involves fatty tumours.
But what causes this sometimes debilitating and life threatening condition?
“The causes of Spina bifida are multiple and complex they include genetic or inherited as well as environmental factors. The main dietary contributor to Spina Bifida has been found to be a deficiency of Folic Acid,” Dr Griffith said.
She warned that it illnesses such as this one are reason why women desirous of becoming pregnant should begin to adhere to dietary recommendations for pregnant women even before pregnancy and to ensure that they remain committed throughout their pregnancies.
The abnormality, which occurs in the early part of pregnancy but usually detected in the second trimester with screening trimester during ultrasounds and special blood tests looking for abnormal levels of a protein called alpha-fetoprotein AFP. Amniocentesis, which is basically testing the amniotic fluid, could be used to test for this condition.
“The condition is not always identified prenatally. However, it is easier to get imaging and to perform further examinations to identify the lesions,” Dr Griffith pointed