The Effects of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is the most common birth defect that afflicts newborns, with one out of every 1,000 babies being born with the condition. The literal translation for spina bifida is "open spine." In this condition, the spine does not fully develop before a child is born and the spinal cord may literally protrude out from the lower back of the infant. The location and the extent of the defect determine the severity of each case.

Each vertebra in our spines controls different bodily functions, by way of associated nerves. With the underdeveloped lower vertebrae, children born with spina bifida most commonly face difficulties with controlling bladder and bowel function as well as with mobility.

Surgery

• Within minutes of birth, children born with spina bifida may be whisked into surgery to secure the spinal cord back into the body.

  Individuals with the least severe cases may have difficulties with excreting urine and having bowel movements, but remain able to walk without assistance. In the most severe cases, individuals never acquire the ability to walk without leg braces or may be confined to wheelchairs for life.

Types of Spina Bifida

• There are three types of spina bifida. The mildest form is spina bifida occulta. Spina bifida meningocele is a moderate form, while spina bifida myelomeningocele is the most severe form.

  Those born with spina bifida occulta do not endure the long-terms effects of the other two more severe forms. In spina bifida meningocele, meninges push through the missing portion of the spine, forming a cyst at the back of the affected vertebra, but the cyst does not protrude through the skin.

  In spina bifida myelomeningocele, a portion of the spinal cord protrudes through the skin, leaving an "open spine." The exposed cord is subject to infection.

Hydrocephalus

• The majority of the babies born with spina bifida myelomeningocele are also born with hydrocephalus ("water on the brain"), in which bodily fluids fail to filter out of the brain. The fluid collected in an infant's fragile brain can cause significant brain damage if not taken care of immediately. A shunt is inserted into the baby's head shortly after birth. Once inserted, the shunt remains an integral part of the individual for his entire life.

  Shunts need to be replaced whenever a blockage occurs. When a shunt ceases to function, fluid once again collects in the brain. The individual will experience an excruciating headache with continuous pressure until a new shunt is put in place.

Incontinence

• The lower end of the spine is integral to our abilities to control bladder and bowel excretions. Due to the undeveloped spine, the majority of individuals who are born with spina bifida face challenges of incontinence.

Limited Mobility

• Depending on the severity of each case, mobility impairment can range from having a slightly disordered gait to being assisted by leg braces or a wheelchair.

Emotional Effects

• Due to her inability to achieve continence, a child living with spina bifida is likely to endure teasing from other children, who may not understand this unfortunate circumstance. If teasing is prolonged for years, it can take an emotional toll on the child, who can battle insecurities, low self-esteem and depression that may carry over into adult life if not recognized and treated.

  Parents may want to contact their child's teachers each year before classes start, so that teachers will be fully aware of the child's situation. Together, they may be able to devise plans to ensure that the child can be successful in school.

Awareness and Prevention

• No studies have been able to confirm what causes spina bifida, and there is no cure at this time. However, over twenty years of research in the field have increasingly helped to extend the lifespans of those living with the condition. Just twenty years ago, 80 percent of the children born with spina bifida did not live to see their fifth birthday. Today, 75 percent or more of children with the most severe spina bifida are expected to live until adulthood, though care for these individuals is challenging.

  Research has shown that expectant mothers who take daily folic acid supplements can reduce their chances of giving birth to a child with spina bifida by up to 70 percent.