Spina Bifida Essay

Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect which occurs in the embryo. The result is that the spine fails to close properly which causes, in the most severe cases, a protrusion of the spine through the lower back of the child; hence the Latin name of “split spine.” Depending on the type, spina bifida can cause paralysis, latex allergy, hydrocephalus, and more.
There are three major types of spina bifida: occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele.
Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form and does not cause any brain or nerve damage. It occurs when the bones in the lower back do not form properly. There are not many external signs other than a possible birthmark, dimple, or tuft of hair where the defect has occurred. Due to this, patients typically do not even know they have spina bifida unless they have imaging tests taken for another reason.
Meningocele is a mild to moderate form of spina bifida and is the least common. Meningocele is when the neural tubes of the spine fail to close properly and a small cyst protrudes through the hole in the spine. This cyst can be removed through surgery which typically occurs as
Myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect in which the spine does not form or close properly; this results in the spine, and the tissues protecting the spine, to protrude from the back. Sometimes there is a fluid filled sac on the baby’s back. Occasionally this sac will burst open in labor causing baby’s spine and nerves to be exposed. Surgery will be required within the first few days of birth to repair the hole. In many cases, the child will also need a shunt due to hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is an undue accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which occurs when there is excessive production of the CSF or when the fluid is not circulated and absorbed properly. Although hydrocephalus may occur otherwise, it is most commonly associated with spina