Spina Bifidia
Overview
Spina Bifida Surgery India, Spina Bifida Symptoms India, Spinal Bifida, Spina Bifida Surgery, Spina Bifida Treatment, Spina Bifida Surgery Hospitals, Spina Bifida Treatment Hospitals Spina bifida is the most common birth defect in the United States. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). The neural tube is a narrow channel that folds and closes during the third and fourth weeks of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord. Spina bifida happens if the portion of the neural tube that forms the spinal cord does not close completely during the first month of pregnancy.
Spina bifida includes two types of spina bifida:
* Meningocele :- involves the meninges, the membranes responsible for covering and protecting the brain and spinal cord. If the meninges push through the hole in the vertebrae (the small, ring-like bones that make up the spinal column), the sac is called a meningocele.
* Spina bifida occulta : - a mild form of spina bifida in which the spinal cord and the surrounding structures remain inside the baby, but the back bones in the lower back area fail to form normally. There may be a hairy patch, dimple, or birthmark over the area of the defect. Other times, there may be no abnormalities in the area.
* Meningocele : - a moderate form of spina bifida in which a fluid-filled sac is visible outside of the back area. The sac does not contain the spinal cord or nerves.
* Myelomeningocele : - a severe form of spina bifida in which the spinal cord and nerves develop outside of the body and are contained in a fluid-filled sac that is visible outside of the back area. These babies typically have weakness and loss of sensation below the defect. Problems with bowel and bladder function are also common. A majority of babies with myelomeningocele will also have hydrocephalus, a condition that causes the fluid inside of the head to build up, causing pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull bones to expand to a larger than normal size.
Approximately 85 percent of defects are found in the lower back area. The remaining 15 percent of the defects are located in the back of the neck or upper back areas.
What causes spina bifida?
While the cause of spina bifida is unknown, scientists believe that many factors are involved. We at CDC work with many other researchers to study risk factors that can increase the chance of having a baby with spina bifida.
Following are examples of what our research has found:
Hispanic babies are at an increased risk for spina bifida.
Mothers who are obese before they become pregnant are at a higher risk than mothers who are of average weight for having a baby with spina bifida.
There has been a 24% decline in babies born with spina bifida since the United States began fortifying grains with folic acid
How is spina bifida diagnosed ?
Diagnostic tests can be performed during pregnancy to evaluate the fetus for spina bifida. The tests include the following : -
• Blood tests : -
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that a blood test be offered between 15 to 20 weeks to all women who are pregnant who have not previously had a child with an ONTD and who do not have a family history of ONTD.
This blood test measures alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and other biochemical markers in the mother's blood to determine whether her pregnancy is at increased risk for an ONTD. AFP is a protein normally produced by the fetus that crosses the placenta into the mother's blood. Generally, if a fetus has an ONTD, the alpha-fetoprotein level in the mother's blood will be increased. Although this test does not tell for certain whether a fetus has an ONTD, it will determine which pregnancies are at greater risk, so that additional testing may be performed.
• Prenatal ultrasound (Also called sonography.) : -
a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels. Prenatal ultrasound may be able to detect an ONTD, and may be used to examine other organs and body systems of the fetus.
• Amniocentesis : -
a procedure that involves inserting a long, thin needle through the mother's abdomen into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small sample of the amniotic fluid for examination. The fluid is then tested to determine the presence or absence of an open neural tube defect. Small or closed defects may not be picked up by this test.
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