spina bifida symptoms in babies

Babies born with spina bifida

Spina bifida is a congenital malformation that affects the baby's spine. It develops during pregnancy, when the column in formation does not close properly around the spinal cord and nerves, leaving an opening that exposes them.
Symptoms of spina bifida

Being a malformation of the spine, spina bifida can cause both physical and intellectual disabilities. The severity of the symptoms is variable, since there are several types of spina bifida. Thus, it will depend mainly on:

    The size of the opening.
    In which part of the column is given. The higher up your back, the more serious the consequences will be.
    If the nerves and the spinal cord have been affected or not.

Following these criteria, we find three types of spina bifida: open spina bifida, which is subdivided into myelomeningocele and meningocele, and hidden spina bifida.
The breathing of a premature child can vary abruptly and suddenly.

Meningocele

Meningocele affects the meninges, the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. When they protrude through the opening formed in the spinal column, a sac filled with fluid (meningocele) is created.

Babies with this condition can suffer from various health problems, depending on the damage to the nerves surrounding the spine. For example, they may have muscle paralysis to varying degrees or have learning disabilities, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Myelomeningocele

When we talk about spina bifida, it is usually myelomeningocele. It is the most serious variety of this malformation, and causes disabilities ranging from the most moderate to severe, even to the loss of movement or sensitivity of the legs.

It occurs when the meninges and the lower end of the spinal cord protrude through the orifice of the spine and form a sac filled with fluid. This sac, which protrudes from the baby's back, can burst during delivery, exposing the spinal cord and nerves.

In addition to bone or muscle problems, it is also common for babies with this malformation to have hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid in or around the brain.
Hidden bifid spina

It is the mildest form of spina bifida and may go unnoticed. As the name suggests, in this variety of the syndrome the malformation is "hidden" under the skin.

Even if it is hidden, there may be birthmarks or a dimple on the skin around the opening. Inside, the medulla may be attached to the tissue, rather than free, so that the nerves are not affected.

Most babies with spina bifida occulta have no long-term problems. Moreover, it is often detected in advanced childhood or even once they are adults.

    "Hidden spina bifida does not usually cause disabilities or long-term problems"

What causes spina bifida?

The causes of spina bifida are not known. It is necessary to investigate the factors that intervene in the development of this malformation, such as genetics or the environment. However, it is known for sure that it is related to low levels of folic acid.

Spina bifida appears in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is often formed before the expectant mother even knows she is pregnant. Taking folic acid during pregnancy (400 micrograms daily) helps reduce the risk of its appearance. However, this does not guarantee a healthy pregnancy.


Other tips that can be followed to prevent this malformation are:

    Consult with the doctor the best treatment to follow. Just as no two people are the same, there are not two identical pregnancies either. It is better to follow a personalized treatment that meets all the needs of mother and child.
    Learn appropriately about the components of the drugs, vitamins and supplements that are taken. During pregnancy, the body reacts differently to some medications.
    Control body temperature High fever can increase the chances of the baby developing spina bifida.

Spina bifida is a defect of the neural tube.

Treatment

The treatment of spina bifida varies according to its severity. Depending on which systems it affects, children will need the support of different specialists in the long term. This includes not only doctors, but also therapists, social workers and associations that provide support and understanding.

In babies with spina bifida occulta, no treatment may be necessary. If the spinal cord is anchored, surgery will be necessary to separate it from the tissue. After the operation, the babies usually do not present problems, although it is possible that the marrow is anchored again.

    "With the attention indicated, most people with spina bifida can grow and have full and productive lives"

On the other hand, babies with meningocele need to be operated on during the first months of life. The surgery places the meninges in the body and closes the hole.

The process is similar with a myelomeningocele: the baby must be operated, but between the first and second day after birth. If it is detected in the early stages of pregnancy, it can be operated in week 25 to correct the malformation. It will also be necessary to operate hydrocephalus in case the baby suffers.