Spina Bifida — Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Spina bifida is a neural defect that occurs during fetal development resulting from a defective fusion of one or more posterior vertebral arches causing protrusion of the contents of the spinal canal before birth, incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube (a group of cells that form the brain and the spinal cord of a baby). This can cause physical and mental issues. The neural tube and spinal column do not develop properly and remain exposed along several vertebrae. The spinal cord and membranes are pushed out forming a sac on the back of the fetus. This sac may be covered with membranes or meninges.

Types of spina bifida:

• Spina bifida occulta
• Spina bifida cystic(menifesta)
• Meningocele
• Myelomeningocele

Spina bifida occulta

There is merely a radiological defect between the laminae. Skin defects like haemangioma, lipoma, a tuft of hair, occur as a result of spina bifida occulta.

Spina bifida cystic

There is a developmental deficiency of laminae, spinous processes, overlying muscles, and skin.

Meningocele

In this condition mostly the spinal cord and its nerve roots are intact, only the covering membrane projects as a dural sac.

Myelomeningocele

It is associated with muscle paralysis, sensory loss, bladder and bowel incontinence, and deformities. It may be present from the 4th thoracic to 1st sacral vertebra. However, most common in the lumbosacral region. Associated with complications like paraplegia, deformities, bladder and kidney infections, skin ulceration, development of pathological fractures, meningitis as well as hydrocephalus.

Spina bifida can occur due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors.

• Folate deficiency during the pregnancy their babies are at a higher risk for Spina bifida
• Family history of neural tube defects. Couples who have had one child with spina bifida have a slightly higher chance of having another baby with the same defect.
• Deficiency of Plant proteins, iron, magnesium, and niacin.
• Medications are used to treat seizures and epilepsy.
• Females with diabetes, their babies are at a higher risk of having spina bifida.
• Obese women with a BMI of 30 or above have a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
• Increased body temperature, due to fever or using a hot tub in the early weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of spina bifida.

The most severe symptoms of spina bifida are seen in the Myelomeningocele type of spina bifida. Other symptoms include:

• Coordination problems.
• Cognitive problems due to the presence of hydrocephalus building up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and possibly brain damage.
• Difficulty in learning, reading, focusing, solving problems, and understanding the spoken language.
• Visual and physical coordination.
• Weakness or paralysis in the legs.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Bowel incontinence
• Lack of sensation in the skin.

Pathology

Incomplete development of the neural tube and spinal column and thus the spine does not close fully, and the spinal column remains exposed along several vertebrae. If the opening in the vertebrae occurs in the upper spine, there are chances of complete paralysis in the legs and others. If the openings are in the middle of the spine, symptoms tend to be less severe. There is fluid inside the brain and also around the surface of the brain and the spinal cord called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). An increase in the CSF can lead to hydrocephalus, causing pressure on the brain, and brain damage.

Neural tube defects and other problems during pregnancy can be reduced by taking early action by these tests.

· Ultrasound

Ultrasound is used to scan the detects of spina bifida during pregnancy. Various prenatal tests can also be done, but they are not accurate.

· Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Blood test

This is a blood test that assesses for a protein, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), that the fetus produces.

These tests are used to assess three or four substances in the blood.

· Amniocentesis

Test alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) levels are done by taking the sample of fluid from the amniotic sac. If there is a high level of AFP in the amniotic fluid then the fetus has a neural tube defect.

· Treatment

Treatment of spina bifida depends on its type and its severity.

· Surgical options

Surgery is possible in some cases.

· Surgery to repair the spine

The spinal cord and any exposed tissues or nerves are replaced and the gap is closed in the vertebrae the spinal cord with muscle sealed.

· Prenatal surgery

Usually, during 19TH to 25TH week of pregnancy. The spinal cord of the fetus is repaired by opening the uterus. This may reduce the risk of spina bifida after delivery.

· Hydrocephalus

A thin tube, or shunt, is implanted in the baby's brain are implanted. And the excess Cerebro Spinal fluid is drained into the abdomen.

· Medication

Anticholinergic, antibiotics, Botox injection.

· Physiotherapy treatment includes

· Prevention and management of deformities:

Less severe types of deformities may be treated by passive stretching and adequate splinting. Rigid deformities may need manipulation under general anesthesia, followed by plaster and splints.

· Physiotherapy treatment after surgery:

Reeducate the transplanted muscle iliopsoas to function as an effective hip abductor and extensor is of primary importance. ROM range of motion exercises and muscle strengthening at the knee to offer stabilization in standing and walking.

· Management of muscle paralysis:

Muscles like hip abductors, extensors, knee extensors, ankle dorsi flexors, and plantar flexors should be strengthened for weight-bearing. Also strengthen the shoulder girdle and trunk muscles, as they also are functionally important.

Prevent adverse factors like hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion contractures by emphasizing hip extension, knee extension, and ankle plantigrade programs.

· Balance and coordination exercises:

To maintain body equilibrium in various positions, arm muscles, visual and auditory feedback techniques can be used. Reeducation of the trunk muscles is required in children with trunk lesions.

· Care of skin and joints:

Proper checking of the splint and brace by frequent careful examination of the skin at pressure points. Parents should also be careful about exposing the insensitive parts of the limb to extreme hot and cold situations.

· Education in ambulation and self-care:

Develop equilibrium, static and dynamic weight-bearing programs. Re-educate in standing and gait training.

Arm and shoulder muscles are strengthened for crutch walking.

· Assistive technologies:

An electric wheelchair is provided to the person with total paralysis of the legs.

· Special leg braces:

Leg braces help to prevent the lower limb muscles from weakening and make the patient independent.