children s health issues
Neural Tube Defects and Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect. Although spina bifida can be serious, people who have it may live a long life. Spina bifida results when the neural tube fails to close completely and remains an open channel. In spina bifida, the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not close over the spinal cord. It most commonly affects the spine in the lower back. One or more of the vertebrae may be involved. Spina bifida occultais the mildest form of spina bifida. Typically, only the bone at the back of the vertebra (one of the bones that make up the backbone) is affected and the spinal cord and meninges are unaffected. This common defect is called "occulta" because it is hidden (covered) by a layer of skin. This skin layer typically appears normal, but sometimes it is a different color than the surrounding skin, or there may be a small tuft of hair overlying the defect. Spina bifida occulta usually causes no symptoms but can be associated with other birth defects or with abnormalities of the spinal cord (occult spinal dysraphism). is a form of spina bifida in which the spinal cord is affected. In occult spinal dysraphism, newborns may have visible abnormalities on their lower back. These include birthmarks, overly pigmented areas ( Hemangiomas of infancy (also called strawberry or infantile hemangiomas) and flame nevus [ Spina bifida cysticais the most serious form of spina bifida. In spina bifida cystica, tissues of the meninges, spinal cord, or both protrude through the opening in the vertebrae. A thin membrane of skin may cover the tissues, or they may not be covered by skin. Spina bifida cystica has the following categories: A meningocele: Only the meninges protrude A meningoencephalocele: The meninges and brain tissue protrude A meningomyelocele: The meninges and spinal cord tissue protrude An encephalocele: Only brain tissue protrudes A myelocele: Only spinal cord tissue protrudes Damage to brain or spinal cord tissue is much more likely when tissue protrudes outside the normal contour of the back, especially if there is no normal skin covering the protruding tissue. Also, when spinal cord tissue or meninges are fully exposed, they may become infected by bacteria, causing Meningitis in Children . In spina bifida, the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not form normally. Spina bifida can vary in severity. Inoccult spinal dysraphism,one or more vertebrae do not form normally, and the spinal cord and the layers of tissues (meninges) surrounding it may also be affected. There are several types with differing neurologic severities. The diagnosis is sometimes suggested by symptoms in the lower back, such as a tuft of hair, a dimpling, or a pigmented area on the skin over the defect. In ameningocele,the meninges protrude through the incompletely formed vertebrae, resulting in a fluid-filled bulge under the skin. The spinal cord is in its normal location. The most severe type is ameningomyelocele,in which the meninges and spinal cord protrude. The affected area appears raw and red, and the infant is likely to be severely impaired. Anencephalyis the most severe neural tube defect. In anencephaly, the brain tissue fails to develop. This defect is always fatal. may occur with spina bifida. In this abnormality, the cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls balance) protrudes through the opening in the bottom of the skull. The protruding cerebellum may put pressure on the brain stem or spinal cord. Children may develop Hydrocephalus (water on the brain). Syrinx of the Spinal Cord or Brain Stem None 