Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that is usually detected before or soon after birth. Although usually harmless and hidden in its mildest form, adults may discover they have it when testing for unrelated health problems. However, spina bifida is not progressive past the developmental stage and cannot be contracted as an adult. It is not related to degenerative spinal conditions associated with aging.

Spina bifida is a deformity of the growing spinal cord in the fetus, characterized by the failure of the neural tube to close properly, allowing tissue to enter or exit the spinal column abnormally. Mild spina bifida occulta may elicit no symptoms and can only be found with X-rays. The other types of spina bifida, meningocele and myelomeningocele, are more severe and will likely require surgery to close the spinal area on a newborn.

Spina Bifida Prevention

There are increased risks for the deformity in babies of certain demographics or with family histories of spina bifida, diabetes or obesity. However, the majority of spina bifida cases could be prevented with supplemental folic acid (vitamin B-9) intake by the mother before and during pregnancy. Even women who are otherwise at risk for imparting the defect can improve their infants' chances at full neural-tube development by increasing folic acid in their diets.

The specialists at the Bonati Institute can assist in diagnosing many spinal disorders in children and adults. They also offer comprehensive care for issues arising from complications and chronic pain. The Bonati institute uses the latest procedures and enjoys an extremely high rate of successful surgical therapies.