{"id":9468,"date":"2019-08-18T14:44:17","date_gmt":"2019-08-18T14:44:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9468"},"modified":"2022-02-07T08:53:22","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T08:53:22","slug":"16-common-signs-of-spina-bifida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-common-signs-of-spina-bifida\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Common Signs of Spina Bifida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Spina bifida is a congenital birth defect that occurs when there is a problem with the neural tube during gestation. With this defect, the spinal cord is left exposed due to the failure of proper vertebral column formation. There are mild forms and severe forms of spina bifida which are separated into four classes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infants who suffer from this neural tube defect may experience delays in their physical development. Though spina bifida does not affect intelligence, those who suffer from the defect may have their intellectual development hampered due to the ailment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The four types of spina bifida are; closed neural tube defects, myelomeningocele, occult, and meningocele. In some forms, the defects have very few noticeable signs while in other forms the signs are readily apparent. There are treatments available to help improve the quality of life of those suffering from spina bifida, but there is no cure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eight most common signs of spina bifida are detailed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. High serum alpha-fetoprotein levels<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some instances of spina bifida<\/a> do not present with any visible signs. If a woman is pregnant and she or her doctor suspects a neural tube defect there are tests that can confirm abnormalities. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels naturally increase during pregnancy however the levels are extremely high when there is a neural tube defect present. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A medical professional will run a triple screen that includes an MSAFP, or AFP test, a testing of the amniotic fluid, and ultrasound for visual confirmation. If the first screening comes back with high levels of AFP, it is a sign that the fetus has a congenital defect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next step towards confirming the diagnosis is to have an ultrasound of the fetal spine. This test is highly accurate when severe spina bifida exist. If the defect is less serious or can’t be seen during the ultrasound, testing of amniotic fluid is a reliable way to check for signs that indicate abnormalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Allergy to latex<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Latex <\/a>is a natural form of rubber used often in medical facilities, balloons, and several other common items. Latex can also be found naturally in several fruits or plants. Children born with spina bifida or other neural tube defects often develop an allergy to latex and latex products. This common sign of spina bifida is thought to occur due to the high amounts of exposure to latex that begins at birth, often due to medical procedures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those suffering from spina bifida are more prone to the life-threatening shock brought on by exposure to latex due to the frequency of contact. There is no cure for latex allergies. However, wearing a medical bracelet and being vocal in regards to the existence of the allergy is the best way to prevent a reaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spina bifida patients also are known to show signs of other skin problems such as frequent rashes, irritation, and bruising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Pathologic bone fractures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A large percentage of those afflicted with spina bifida will suffer from fractures. A pathologic fracture in spina bifida is caused due to weakness in the muscles and the bones<\/a>. These fractures can also be caused by repeated injury. Pathologic fractures are not always noticeable but an injury can cause it to worsen which will bring it to the attention of the individual or caregivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with spina bifida cystica are also at risk of constant fracture to paraplegic legs. This is mainly in part the lack of muscle activity surrounding the bones. Even with orthopedic intervention pathologic fractures remain common. The best way to avoid such fractures is constant vigilance, careful movements, and regular physical therapy of the affected limbs. Though fractures may occur often, they also heal much quicker in those afflicted with spina bifida. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Braces and other supports are suggested to reduce the occurrence of pathologic fractures in the proximal femur and the proximal tibia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Tethered spinal cord<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many of those who suffer from spina bifida may not have apparent signs or visible disabilities. Even without visible signs, some mild neurological problems accompany the defect. In mild cases, there may be a small hairy patch on the skin at the bottom of the spine, a dark area along the trunk, or even a dimpling in the lower back. In more notable cases there may be an epidural lipoma, which is a fatty growth on the spinal cord. This growth may be harmless if it is small enough but it can also cause tethering of the spinal cord. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spinal cord<\/a> tethering is a neurologic disorder that restricts the movement of the spine within the spinal column. Though it is present in other neural tube defects and other diseases, it is most often linked with spina bifida. At least 50% of those born with spina bifida will have corrective surgery to repair or untether the spinal cord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Spinal cord deformity<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the chief signs of spina bifida is deformities that are located along the spinal column. Babies who suffer from neural tube defects, specifically spina bifida, have bones along the back that don\u2019t fully develop. The causes some of the nerves, tissues, and parts of the spinal cord itself to remain exposed. In some instances, tissues or nerves will be forced out of an incomplete backbone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sac forms around these protrusions that stick out visually from the back of the fetus<\/a>. These deformities can form anywhere on the spine though they are most often found on the lower part of the back. When these deformities occur as a result of spina bifida, the patient will often have a loss of sensation in the lower extremities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also lead to paralysis, bladder and bowel incontinence, and other deformities. More serious cases may even develop into scoliosis of the spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Spine curvature<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spina bifida, a neural tube disorder affects the spine in several ways. In some of the more serious cases of spina bifida, spinal deformities can develop. Three main types of spinal curvatures affect those with spina bifida. Scoliosis <\/a>is one of the most common signs of spina bifida. This form is mainly caused by the patient being unable to control their muscles or their movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of neuromuscular control will cause the spine to curve to the left or the right in a sideways manner. An extreme rounding of the spine called Kyphosis is another common sign of spina bifida. This is caused by a muscle imbalance in the trunk as a result of paralysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third most common curvature is lordosis. This is due to tight pelvic muscles and hip muscles that make hips thrust forward. As a result, the spine develops an exaggerated swayback along the spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Coordination problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most patients who suffer from spina bifida have various issues with coordination. One of the biggest signs of spina bifida is the lack of coordination when it comes to walking<\/a>. Proper walking skills involve several different body systems. Your eyes, bones, spinal cord, brain, legs, and feet all work together to create a gait that allows you to get from one place to another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spina bifida like other neural tube defects impair one or more of those systems which throw coordination out of whack. Spina bifida restricts your ability to form a natural gait which leads to coordination problems and also spine curvatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spina bifida also affects the nervous system and the muscles along the spine. Many people who suffer from spina bifida also have problems controlling their other extremities, their neck, or their digestive systems. The severity of most coordination problems depends solely on the type of spina bifida the patient has been diagnosed with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Growth hormone deficiency<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The majority of people born with spina bifida are known to have a human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency. This sign of spina bifida results in a shorter stature that is caused by the lower body segment’s disproportionate growth. In addition, hydrocephalus <\/a>which causes pressure on the brain inhibits the secretion of pituitary hormones that are tasked with pubertal development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no direct quality of life issues associated with a shorter stature, however, there is an effect on body image and obesity of those with spina bifida. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared with other people in the same age range, children with spina bifida tend to be several inches shorter on average. Treatment with external hGH can increase the increased linear growth of the arm span and supine length. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the downside, such treatment also encourages symptomatic spinal cord tethering to develop as well as any existing scoliosis to progress. While spina bifida may visually be different due to a lack of hGH, there are no long-term negative effects of this sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from spina bifida may experience issues with bowel movements and the correct functioning of the bladder. These problems typically occur with the meningocele version of the condition. The person may find that they need to urinate more often than normal, resulting in frequent trips to the bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may also encounter problems with passing stools. Spina bifida causes complications with the central nervous system (CNS) and its control over these organs. As the condition worsens, they may find themselves getting constipated frequently, or they may experience issues with incontinence and bladder movements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient will require the use of medications to regulate bowel movements and bladder response. If left undiagnosed and unmanaged, the patient will experience a severe decline in their quality of life. Typically, doctors can manage bowel <\/a>and bladder problems with prescription drugs. While the condition will not improve, the use of medications in addressing the issues will help to improve the patient’s quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Depression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The central nervous system regulates the body and the brain. When patients experience complications with the CNS due to the onset of spina bifida, they may notice changes to their mental state. The thoughts relating to their condition and its impact on their life may result in feelings of depression and low levels of mood<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depression is a serious mental illness left undiagnosed and untreated; the patient may experience thoughts of suicide. Depression affects millions of Americans. It occurs due to the brain’s inability to manage its serotonin levels. Serotonin is the biochemical transmitter responsible for regulating our mood. Without enough serotonin, we start to experience low mood levels and eventually the onset of depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with spina bifida who experience depression need counseling with a psychiatric professional. Fortunately, it’s possible to manage the effects of depression through counseling and the use of anti-depressant medications like Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Orthopedic Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children experiencing the effects of spina bifida, particularly the myelomeningocele version of the disorder, are at risk of developing orthopedic problems with their posture and skeletal system. They do not experience the healthy development of the muscles in the back, resulting in poor support of the spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The back muscles are critical for managing our posture, and when they are weak, we expose ourselves to a range of problems affecting the spine <\/a>and hips. The child may experience curvature in the spine and abnormal growth that hampers their movement, causing pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with spina bifida are also at risk of hip dislocations, as the joints in the hips do not have support from the lower back and the pelvic muscles, resulting in dislocation. They may also develop joint and bone deformities, resulting in problems with posture and gait and muscle contractions. Patients require regular physiotherapy sessions to help them manage the condition and improve their quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Hydrocephalus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some babies born with myelomeningocele experience an accumulation of fluid settling in the brain. As a result, they may start to notice the onset of the condition known as “hydrocephalus<\/a>.” The fluid build-up affects the ventricles deep in the brain, applying pressure to the brain pushing it against the sides of the skull. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, children with hydrocephalus will show signs of an enlarged head. During the formative years, children have much softer skulls, and they are prone to hydrocephalus, causing a change in the shape and size of the head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the problem, kids with myelomeningocele-induced hydrocephalus may develop issues with cognitive functions. They may experience frequent headaches and difficulties with impaired vision. The affected child may also have impairment with their coordination, and they suffer from incontinence involving issues with bladder function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surgeons will treat the patient by inserting a tube into the brain to drain the fluid. This procedure reduces the swelling in the brain against the skull, preventing further deformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Meningitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most severe conditions surrounding children with spina bifida is meningitis. Meningitis<\/a> is almost always fatal in children, leading to swelling in the protective membrane covering the spinal cord and brain. Meningitis typically occurs due to bacterial or viral infection. However, kids born with spina bifida may experience meningitis without the presence of viral or bacterial infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the early warning signs of meningitis in children include headaches and fever. The disease may cause problems with altered mental state confusion in the child and a stiff neck. The child may also develop phonophobia (sensitivity to sound) and photophobia (sensitivity to light). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, doctors would treat viral or bacterial meningitis using antivirals or antibiotics. However, these treatments are less effective in children because they do not experience the effects of the condition due to infection. As a result, the disorder is challenging to treat, and many patients die, regardless of their treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Sleep Apnea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adults suffering from spina bifida may find that they develop a condition known as “sleep apnea.” There is little medical understanding of the cause of sleep apnea<\/a> in affected individuals. However, the condition involves the patient stopping breathing for long periods while they sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some experts believe that the interference in the CNS caused by spina bifida interrupts the normal functioning of the autonomous nervous system. The autonomous nervous system is responsible for managing unconscious biological functions, like breathing. As a result, the affect5ed individual may start to experience the onset of sleep apnea at an early age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When sleep apnea occurs, the patient stops breathing for up to three minutes before inhaling violently. Loss of oxygen to the brain due to sleep apnea may cause mental impairment. The affected individual will also notice that they feel tired all the time, and they have issues with getting out of bed in the morning due to feelings of fatigue. If left undiagnosed and unmanaged, the patient may die in their sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Urinary Tract Infection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with spina bifida may develop frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). A UTI occurs when the bladder experiences an infection, and the affected individual will feel a burning sensation as they urinate. It’s common for adults to confuse this occurrence with a sexually transmitted disease, like Chlamydia or gonorrhea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, children will experience UTIs due to the inability of the immune system to clear infections effectively. With the disruption of normal brain signaling through the spinal cord, the child experiences kidney and bladder function issues, resulting in the onset of infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, most urinary tract infections fade by themselves in a day or two. However, the patient will experience pain and discomfort and a loss in quality of life. Kids with spina bifida that experience frequent UTIs can dramatically reduce their quality of life. If the infection doesn’t clear naturally, physicians will administer antibiotics <\/a>to help patients recover and rid themselves of the UTI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16. Gastrointestinal Disorders<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The brain and the gastrointestinal system have independent nervous systems, hence the saying, “think with your gut.” A wide body of research points to a connection between the gut and the brain, and the onset of spina bifida interferes with the interaction of the two biological systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, patients may find that they start to develop gastrointestinal issues that cause stomach and GI discomfort. The child may experience cramping or problems with digestion. The gut is home to trillions of microbiomes that assimilate the nutrition from your food, shuttling it into the bloodstream<\/a>. Spina Bifida interrupts normal digestion and the onset of digestion issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, kids with spina bifida experience a reduction in the signaling of digestion from the brain, resulting in improper digestion and the possibility of developing gastrointestinal issues. Improper digestion of food leads to malnutrition in the affected child, and they may start to experience development issues associated with improper nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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