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Spina Bifida is a severe birth defect, which develops due incomplete growth of the spinal cord or the coverings of the spinal cord. When the tissue surrounding the developing spinal cord of a fetus does not close properly, it leads to Spina Bifida.
Spina Bifida originates from the Latin word which means, "split" or "open" spine. During the end of the first month of pregnancy, Spina Bifida develops. During this period, the two sides of the spine of the embryo are not joined together and as a result, an open area develops. Spina Bifida can be detected in a baby before he or she is born and treatment is provided accordingly.
Spina Bifida is one of the common birth defects in a baby and is called 'neural tube defects'. In the babies with Spina Bifida, the neural tube that develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord and the tissues enclosing them, fails to develop or close properly which leads to defects in the spinal cord as well as in the bones of the backbone.
In the United States, Spina bifida is one of the most common defects among the babies, which exists during the birth time. The three forms of Spina Bifida are Spina bifida occulta, Meningocele and Myelomeningocele.
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Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of the disease and the babies with this have small separation or gap in one or more of the vertebrae of the spine. This type of defect does not involve the spinal nerves and hence, babies with Spina bifida occulta do not face any neurological problems.
Sometimes, a collection of fat, a birthmark on the newborn's skin above the spinal defect, a small dimple or an abnormal tuft of hair can indicate this defect. Meningocele is a rare form of Spina Bifida in which the protective membrane around the spinal cord pushes out through the opening in the vertebrae. With surgery, this membrane can be removed without causing any damage to the nerve pathways.
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The most severe form of Spina Bifida is Myelomeningocele. In this case, the spinal canal of the baby remains open along many of the vertebrae in the lower or middle back. The openings in the vertebrae result in development of a sac on the back of the baby.
The Spina Bifida can result from a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. In certain cases, where there is a family history of neural tube defect, the baby can get this defect. The treatment of Spina Bifida entirely depends on the severity of complications. In certain cases where surgery is required, it is done soon after birth.
To know more on congenital diseases in babies, browse through the pages of Pregnancyxl.com.
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