Doctors aren’t certain what causes spina bifida
. It’s thought to result from a combination of genetic, nutritional and environmental risk factors, such as a family history of neural tube defects and folate (vitamin B-9) deficiency.
Why is spina bifida a genetic disorder?
The cause in most cases is multifactorial, which means that
both genetic and environmental factors interact to cause spina bifida
. Some cases may be due to the inheritance of specific gene mutations , chromosome abnormalities , or fetal exposure to teratogens .
Is spina bifida a disease or disorder?
Spina bifida is
a condition that affects the spine
and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way.
Does spina bifida show up in genetic testing?
During amniocentesis, your doctor uses a needle to remove a sample of fluid from the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby. This examination may be important to rule out genetic diseases, despite the fact
that spina bifida is rarely associated with genetic diseases
.
Is spina bifida congenital or acquired?
Spina bifida is
a congenital problem
, which means it is present before birth. It results from the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube. It is a neural tube defect.
Does spina bifida come from Mom or Dad?
In addition, a woman who was born with a neural tube defect has a greater chance of giving birth to a child with spina bifida. However,
most babies with spina bifida are born to parents with no known family history of the condition
.
Can spina bifida be corrected?
Currently,
there is no cure for spina bifida
, but there are a number of treatments available to help manage the disease and prevent complications. In some cases, if diagnosed before birth, the baby can undergo surgery while still in the womb in an effort to repair or minimize the spinal defect.
Does spina bifida get worse with age?
Spina Bifida in Adults
Adults who have spina bifida face different problems than do children, including: Normal aging process including loss of muscle strength and flexibility, less physical stamina, and a decrease in sensory abilities tend to
decline faster or more sever
for adults with SB.
Does spina bifida cause brain damage?
Some babies with spina bifida have hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain), which
can damage the brain
and cause further problems. Many people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus will have normal intelligence, although some will have learning difficulties, such as: a short attention span. difficulty solving problems.
How long do spina bifida patients live?
Not so long ago, spina bifida was considered a pediatric illness, and patients would simply continue to see their pediatric physicians into adulthood. The average life span for an individual with the condition was
30 to 40 years
, with renal failure as the most typical cause of death.
Is spina bifida more common in males or females?
In most populations, spina bifida occurs
more often among females than males
(19).
What race is most affected by spina bifida?
In the United States
Hispanic women
have the highest rate of having a child affected by spina bifida, when compared with non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women.
What stage of pregnancy does spina bifida occur?
Spina bifida and anencephaly are birth defects that occur
in the first four weeks of pregnancy
, before most women know that they are pregnant. Because about half of all pregnancies are unplanned, it is important to include 400 micrograms of folic acid in every childbearing age woman=s diet.
Where is spina bifida most common?
Meningocele and myelomeningocele may be grouped as spina bifida cystica. The most common location is
the lower back
, but in rare cases it may be in the middle back or neck. Occulta has no or only mild signs, which may include a hairy patch, dimple, dark spot or swelling on the back at the site of the gap in the spine.
Can someone with spina bifida have a baby?
Most people with spina bifida are fertile, and
can have children
.
What deficiency causes spina bifida?
Lack of folic acid
Not having enough folic acid
during pregnancy is one of the most important factors that can increase your chances of having a child with spina bifida. Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9) occurs naturally in some foods, such as broccoli, peas and brown rice.
