Spina Bifida Research Paper

Spina Bifida Spina Bifida is a rare birth defect that causes a malfunction in a baby's spine when it develops. The spinal column is supposed to be closed all the way around, but for some children it never fully closes. This allows spinal nerves, cords, and sacs of fluid that would otherwise be enclosed be exposed. It can lead to serious damage like paralyzation. 8 children are born with this in the United States every day. “SB mostly occurs during first trimester of pregnancy.” Although nobody is completely sure what causes spina bifida, environment and genetics are estimated to be factors. There are three mains forms of this disability. Occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele are all various forms of spina bifida.
The “mildest and most common form” of spina bifida is Spina Bifida Occulata. In this, there is a small gap is located in the back of the spine. No opening or sac is visible when looking at the patient’s back because it is fully covered by skin. When it comes to diagnosing Spina Bifida Occulata, The Spina Bifida Association writes “People find out they have it after having an X-ray of their back.” This leads to why “about 15 % of healthy people have it and do not know it.” Spina Bifida Occulata causes no disabilities and there is no need for treatment.
Another form of spina bifida is meningocele.
In this type, “a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back”. The exception is that the spinal cord is not in this sac, and is still located in the spinal column. Therefore, paralyzation in the patient is rare. A layer of skin may or may not cover the opening in the back. The CDC states that “This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities.” These include partial paralysis and bowel problems. Treatment wise, surgery is usually the route for children. Besides occasional doctor’s visits, children with this form of spina bifida live a normal
lifestyle. The last and most severe type of this disability is Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele. Like meningocele, the sac of fluid usually located in the spinal column moves out into the open. The only difference is that in this case, the spinal cord and nerves also separate from the inside of the column. Since they are separated and often left out in the open, this can lead to critical damage to the nerves. Depending on the severity of the case, skin may or may not cover the exposed sac. If skin is not covering the cyst, then it has a much larger likelihood of becoming infected. Surgery is conducted just a few days after birth. The Spina Bifida Association explains that the operation“Prevents infections and helps save the spinal cord from more damage.” Sadly, many infants die within days due to the infections or other factors. Disabilities that result from this form of spina bifida can include complete to partial paralyzation in the legs and bowel dysfunction.