Spina bifida is a set of birth defects that develop in infants during the first 4 weeks of delivery, characterized by malformations in spine development and incomplete spinal cord formation and the structures that protect it.
This injury usually occurs at the end of the spine because it is the last part of the spine to close, creating a lump in the baby’s extension, and could be related to a maternal folic acid deficiency in pregnancy.
- Spina bifida has no cure.
- But it could be treated by surgery to reintroduce and close the spine defect.
- Although it does not always resolve complications of the disease.
- Spina bifida physiotherapy is an important aid in treatment to promote a child’s independence.
The causes of spina bifida are not yet known, however, whether they could be related to genetic factors; maternal deficiency of folic acid and zinc, maternal diabetes and alcohol intake during the first 3 months of embargo.
There are some types of spina bifida, these are
The hidden, “hidden” bifida column is characterized by an incomplete spine, in the spinal cord and the structures that protect it, cannot be seen by the general, has no neurological problems and is less common at the bottom. column between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, where an abnormal presence of hair and a stain can be observed in this area.
The bifida cystic spine is characterized by the incomplete spine and involves the spinal cord and the structures that protect it, thanks to a wide dissemination in the baby, can be divided into:
Myelomeningocele can also cause problems such as leg paralysis, impaired wound sensitivity, locomotion problems, urinary and fecal incontinence, and learning problems.
The often, myelomeningocele is related to hydrocephalus, which is an increase in cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
Treatment of spina bifida usually depends on the type, as a rule, hidden spina bifida in most cases does not need treatment. In the case of cystic spina bifida, treatment consists of surgery, which should be done in the early days of the child. life to reintroduce all structures within the spine and close the defect, however, this surgery does not always manage to avoid certain neurological problems.
In myelomeningocele after birth, the baby must be operated on, so that the open injury can be covered by wet physiological products, thus preventing infection.
When there is a sacral spina bifida with hydrocephalus, surgery is performed to drain excess fluid from the brain to the abdomen and avoid reducing the consequences.
In addition to surgery, physiotherapy for cystic spina bifida is a very important option in treatment. The purpose of this procedure is to help me be as independent as possible, help me use the wheel, prevent the development of contractures and deformities, and control the bladder and bowel muscles.