Spina bifida

(split spine)
• Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form
properly during the first month of pregnancy causing a gap in the spine.
• Cause: Incomplete closure of caudal end of neural tube
• The condition varies in degree, from mild with no symptoms to severe with nerve damage.
• Spina bifida can occur anywhere along the backbone but is most often found in the small of
the back or further down.

There are three main types of spina bifida:

1. Spina bifida occulta (hidden spina bifida)
2. Meningocele
3. Myelomeningocele
Types of Spina Bifida
Differences in Types of Spina Bifida
 ANENCEPHALY
Anencephaly causes a baby to be born without a major portion of the brain,
skull, and scalp. The baby may be born without the forebrain and the cerebrum,
which are responsible for thinking and coordination. The remaining parts of the
brain may not be covered by skin or bone.
Cause: Cranial end of the Neural tube failed to close
• About 75% of infants with anencephaly are stillborn.
The remaining 25% of babies die within a few hours,
days, or weeks after delivery.
• Babies with anencephaly are usually blind, deaf,
unconscious, and unable to feel pain.
• There is no medical treatment for anencephaly.
Other NTDs
 SYMPTOMS OF NEURAL TUBE
DEFECTS
Physical deformities Seizures, Blindness
and Deafness

Developmental delays Intellectual disabilities

Paralysis and urinary Lack of conscious

and bowel control and death
problems

Some people with NTDs have no symptoms (spina bifida occulta)

Prevention
Folic acid

• Childbearing age: 0.4mg/400µg folic acid daily and continue up to 3 months

of pregnancy
• During pregnancy: 1mg folic acid daily
• Prior pregnancy with NDTs: 4mg folic acid daily
DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT(for Spina
bifida)
Ultrasound
90% of NTDs can be detected
Prenatal surgery
16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy
High risk

Maternal blood screening

Alpha-fetoprotein
Test is done between 15 to 22
weeks of pregnancy.
Postnatal surgery
Minimize the risk of Meningitis
Amniocentesis
AFP
Acetylcholinesterase