What Is Spina Bifida?

What is Spina Bifida?

• Spina Bifida is derived from Latin and translates to “cleft spine” or “split spine.” This means that the development of the spine is partial or incomplete.
• The brain and the meninges may also suffer damage. Meninges are the tissues surrounding the spinal cord and brain, protecting them from damage.

The Four Forms

• Spina Bifida is not singled out to one form, there are actually four forms: Occult Spinal Dysraphism, Occulta Spina Bifida, Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele.
• With Occult Spinal Dysraphism, a dimple forms on the lower back of an infant; however, since not all dimples are implications of the disease, doctors must run tests on the infant to determine what the dimple is. Red and dark colored spots may appear along with small bumps and collections of patches of hair.
• Spina Bifida Occulta can be a harmless form and there are usually no signs that are detectable. Most of the time this form is found accidently through an x-ray a person has for one reason or another. Rarely does this form involve an invasive procedure by a neurosurgeon.
• Meningocele is when the meninges and the spinal cord fluid begin to bust through an unusual vertebral gap. It can completely affect the whole lower half of the body by causing the person to lose control of their bladder and bowels.
• Myelomeningoceleis the most aggressive and severe form of Spina Bifida. The contents of the spine, such as the neural components, end up puncturing through a spinal opening. This may lead to paralysis of the whole lower abdominal area of the body and restrict bladder/bowel functions

Accomodations

What Is Spina Bifida?

• Children with Spina Bifida get around rather well depending on the severity of the limitation. Children with Occulta can move without any accommodation due to the fact it’s virtually harmless. The other forms can cripple a child. Mild forms may require a cane, a walker, or crutches. Severe forms may require a wheelchair because walking and movement may be too impaired. The child may become a paraplegic (paralyzed from the waist down.)
• If there are any stairs leading up to the child care center or in the classroom, the teacher should provide a ramp for easy access to higher elevations. The classroom should be checked frequently to make sure the child does not trip over anything. Seating in the classroom should be suitable for the height and movement ability of the child with Spina Bifida. Toilet seats should have rails or bars to help the child steady his/herself.

By Cindy Andreacchio

Causes

• There is no direct or specific cause for Spina Bifida; however, studies show many factors fall into place such as environment, nutrition, heredity, and exposure to chemical matter. If Spina Bifida is present in one child, another child will be much more likely to have the same affliction.
• Research shows that the lack of folic acid may be a major contributor to the disease as folic acid (folate) is crucial in spinal development. Taking certain medications for afflictions such as depression and seizures increase the percentage of a child having Spina Bifida.
• Women who are obese, such as a woman with a BMI of thirty, have greater chances of having a child with the congenial ailment.

Detection

• While the child is developing in the womb, Spina Bifida is usually detectable. If not detected in the womb, it is usually seen after birth due to the common lump that forms. The form of Spina Bifida Occulta goes undetected more than half the time because there are little to no visible signs
• Doctors run various tests during the later trimesters and during the second one, a particular test is run to detect alpha fetoprotein. The fetus produces this while in the womb. If the level of the protein is high, one may assumed the baby will born with the spinal condition. Amniocentesis is another way to detect Spina Bifida prenatally along with other abnormality.
• Postnatal procedures also take place if the condition is not visible, though this occurs accidently such as through MRIs, CT scans, or x-rays. A teacher will most likely be made aware of the case by the family or the teacher shall see it for his/herself. The child may also walk with a crutch, walker, or in a way that looks bent. The teacher may also see the bump in the child’s back