Spina Bifida

What Is Spina Bifida

Spina bifida literally means ‘split spine’. Spina bifida is a condition which affects approximately 1 in every 1,000 children born per year in Ireland. Ireland has one of the highest incidences of spina bifida births in the developed world. It is the most common neural tube defect (NTD) which causes incomplete development of the spinal cord. It most commonly occurs in the lumber spine area but can occur anywhere along the spine.

Ireland has one of the highest occurrences of Spina Bifida in the world where approximately 1 in every 1,000 babies are born with this condition.

Types of Spina Bifida

The three most common types of Spina Bifida are:

Spina Bifida Occulta

It is often called “hidden Spina Bifida” because about 15 percent of healthy people have it and do not know it. Spina Bifida Occulta (SBO) usually does not cause harm, and has no visible signs. The spinal cord and nerves are usually fine. People find out they have it after having an x-ray of their back. It is considered an incidental finding because the x-ray is normally done for other reasons. However, in a small group of people with SBO, pain and neurological symptoms may occur.

Meningocele

Meningocele causes part of the spinal cord to come through the spine like a sac that is pushed out. Nerve fluid is in the sac, and there is usually no nerve damage. Individuals with this condition may have minor disabilities.

Myelomeningocele (Meningomyelocele), also called Spina Bifida Cystica

This is the most severe form of Spina Bifida. It happens when parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine. It causes nerve damage and other disabilities. Seventy to ninety percent of children with this condition also have too much fluid on their brains. This happens because fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord is unable to drain like it should. The fluid builds up, causing pressure and swelling. Without treatment, a person’s head grows too big, and may have brain damage. Children who do not have Spina Bifida can also have this problem, so parents need to check with a doctor.

Effects of Spina Bifida

Effect vary person to person but can include:

Hydrocephalus
Varying levels of paralysis
Loss of sensation in lower limbs
Bladder and bowel function
Pressure sores
Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC)
Chiari Malformation
Latex allergies
Social and sexual issues

Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum

The Corpus Callosum is a structure that connects the right and left sides of the brain. It contains 200 million nerve fibres that pass information back and forth.

Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a birth defect that occurs when the connections between the right and left sides of a child’s brain don’t form correctly