Spina Bifida:
Many countries across the world have initiated programmes to create awareness to prevent Spina Bifida through folic acid supplementation but India is yet to do so.
- It is a birth defect of the spinal cord that causes serious childhood paralysis.
- It occurs when the spine and spinal cord of a foetus do not fully develop during the embryonic period.
- The condition occurs during early pregnancy, and can range from mild to severe.
- The cause is not known. It’s thought that a combination of genetic, nutritional and environmental risk factors causes the condition.
- Types of Spina Bifida
- Myelomeningocele: It is the most serious form of the condition. In this type, part of the spinal cord and nerves are exposed through a sac at the opening of the gap in the spine.
- Meningocele: It is a less common type of spina bifida that occurs when the meninges, or the protective membranes around the spinal cord, push out through the opening in a fluid-filled sac.
- Spina bifida occulta: It is the mildest form of the condition in which one or more of the vertebrae not forming properly, resulting in a small gap.
- Symptoms: Bowel and bladder issues, back pain, weakness or lack of movement in the legs and loss of sensation in the legs.
- Prevention: It can be prevented largely by having folic acid the early weeks of pregnancy.
- Treatment: There is no cure for the condition; however, treatment options are available to manage symptoms.
