Spina
bifida cerebral palsy is basically a defect caused at the time of
birth. This defect affects the spinal column. It initiates from the
cleft or splitlike opening, present in the spinal vertebrae. Sometimes,
this may even involve the spinal cord. It is also known as the neural
tube defect and is responsible for affecting the central nervous system.
Spina
bifida begins to form in the womb with the folding of the tissues
to form the neural tube and does not close or not completely. As such
there in an opening in the vertebrae this protects the spinal cord.
Basically
there are 3 types of spina bifida which are:
Spina Bifida occulta: “Occulta” refers to “hidden”
and this defect has been called so since it is not visible. This is
accidently discovered in case of x-ray or MRI.
Meningocele: A cyst or lump may be formed if the membrane surrounding
the spinal cord enlarges. In some cases the cyst may expand and come
to the surface. As such the spinal cord isn’t exposed since the
cyst does not enclose the spinal cord. Cyst can be removed surgically.
Spina bifida cystic: This is one of the most complex types
of spina bifida. This may cause certain neurological problems which
can be quite harmful. This is because certain nerves coming out of
the cord might get exposed.
Genetic factors as well as environmental factors might be responsible
for causing spina bifida. Genetic factors can be heredity while the
environmental factors are nutrition, and exposure to harmful substances.
Research has been conducted according to which spina bifida can be
prevented by the proper intake of folic acid before and during early
pregnancy.
Certain symptoms are easily visible in case of spina bifida. Those
suffering from spina bifida occulta are asymptomatic. There is some
kind of disability in such people and they might have a problem with
leg paralysis, spine curvature, hip, foot, and leg deformities or
certain problems with bowel and bladder control. There might be certain
abnormalities with the lower spine, resulting to coordination problems.
Deformities in the spine, hip, foot and leg might due to the imbalance
in the muscle strength.
Problems like mental retardation as well as other neurological problems
can also affect the person suffering from spina bifida. Obesity and
urinary tract disorders are the other kinds of complications which
a person might face in spina bifida. These people have short stature
due to the deficiency of the growth hormone. Learning disorder is
also one of the common problems which these people face. These people
might also be allergic to latex and these people might also undergo
certain psychological, social as well as sexual problems.
Certain
treatments are also available for spina bifida depending upon the
severity of the condition. In fact there is a sizeable portion of
people who do not require any kind of treatment at all. Some of the
patients also opt for the surgical removal of cyst. Medications are
also available for the treatment.
