Spina bifida is characterized by a set of birth defects that develop in infants during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, characterized by a failure in spinal development and incomplete formation of the spinal cord and the structures that protect it.
This injury usually occurs at the end of the spine, as it is the last part of the spine to close, creating a lump in the baby’s back and may be related to maternal folic acid deficiency during pregnancy, for example.
- Spina bifida may be hidden when it does not cause problems in children.
- Or cystic.
- In which the child may have lower limb paralysis or urinary and fecal incontinence.
- For example.
Spina bifida has no cure, but can be treated by surgery to reintroduce and close the spine defect, which does not always resolve complications of the disease. Spina bifida physiotherapy is also an important therapeutic aid to promote a child’s independence.
The causes of spina bifida are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to genetic factors or maternal folic acid deficiency, maternal diabetes, maternal zinc deficiency, and alcohol consumption during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
The types of spina bifida include
The hidden spina bifida is characterized by an incomplete closure of the spine, without affecting the spinal cord and the structures that protect it.It can go unnoticed and usually has no neurological problems and is more common at the bottom of the spine, between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, with abnormal presence of hair and a spot in this area.Learn more about hidden spina bifida;
Cystic spina bifida is characterized by incomplete closure of the spine, involving the spinal cord and the structures that protect it, through a lump in the baby’s back and can be divided into:
For example, myelomeningocele can cause problems such as leg paralysis, changes in sensation under the wound, locomotion problems, urinary and fecal incontinence, and learning problems.
Myelomeningocele is often linked to hydrocephalus, which is an increase in cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
The treatment of spina bifida depends on the type and occult spina bifida, in most cases, it does not need treatment, in the case of cystic spina bifida the treatment consists of a surgical procedure that must be performed in the first days of the boy. life to reintroduce all the structures inside the spine and close the spinal defect, however, this surgery is not always capable of preventing certain neurological problems.
In myelomeningocele, shortly after birth and until the operation, the baby must lie face down so that the open lesion is covered with saline-soaked compresses to prevent infection.
In the case of hydrocephalus sacral spina bifida, surgery is also performed to drain excess fluid from the brain to the abdomen to prevent or reduce the consequences.
In addition to surgery, physiotherapy for cystic spina bifida is a very important treatment option.This procedure is designed to help the child be as independent as possible, to help him walk or use a wheelchair, to prevent the development of contractures and deformities.and control bladder and bowel muscles.