Dr Meher Tej AIIMS - Spina Bifida Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment

Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects. It
is the most common neural tube defect. Spina bifida is a
birth defect in which the spine and spinal cord do not
develop properly. Spina bifida develops during the first
few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman is aware
that she is pregnant. Dr Meher Thej AIIMS says, Spina
bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele are
the 3 types of spina bifida. Spina bifida occulta, also
referred to as “hidden” or “closed” spina bifida and
Myelomeningocele, also known as spina bifida “aperta”,
or “open” spina bifida, or spina bifida cystica.

Symptoms Of Spina Bifida:
Spina bifida symptoms vary according to type and severity, as
well as between individuals.
Spina Bifida Occulta: Because the spinal nerves are not involved,
there are usually no signs or symptoms. However, signs such as a
tuft of hair, a small dimple, or a birthmark can sometimes be
seen on the newborn's skin above the spinal problem.
According to Dr Meher Tej AIIMS, Meningocele type of spina
bifida symptoms include:
• small swelling in the back
• Fluid filled sac that is visible at birth
• membranes pushing out through the opening in the
vertebrae.
• normal development of the spinal cord

Myelomeningocele symptoms are more severe and can include
the following:
A swelling in the baby's middle or lower back which contains the
membranes and spinal cord.
• Bowel and bladder problems
• Muscle weakness in the legs
• Orthopedic problems, such as deformities in the spine, hips or
feet
• Seizures
• Hydrocephalus

Causes Of Spina Bifida:
For the most part, the most likely explanation is that spina bifida is
caused by a combination of genetics, nutritional deficiencies, and
environmental factors. Your environment includes everything you
come into contact with in your daily life, including where you work
and live, what you eat and drink, and how you spend your time. Air
pollution and cigarette smoke can also harm the unborn baby.

Types Of Spina Bifida:
There are three types of spina bifida by Dr. Meher Thej AIIMS:
Spina bifida occulta: Spina bifida is a mild form of the condition.
Spina bifida is also known as "hidden" spina bifida. It has no
opposite impacts and may go unnoticed until later in life.
Typically, there is no opening in the back of the baby, only a gap in
the spine. There is no injury to the spinal cord or nerves in this
type.
Meningocele: In this rare type of spina bifida, a sac consisting of
spinal fluid protrudes through a gap in the vertebra, causing a
swelling in the back. In this type no nerves are affected, and the
spinal cord is not seen in the fluid sac. Babies with meningocele
may have some minor problems with functioning, problems
affecting the bladder and bowels.

Myelomeningocele: The common and serious form of
spina bifida. In which the spinal cord and surrounding
nerves come out through open Vertebrae and exit through
the back of the fetus. People with myelomeningocele have
physical disabilities that limit from moderate to severe.
These disabilities may include:
• incontinence
• difficulty going to the bathroom
• inability to move or feel their legs or feet

Treatment Of Spina Bifida:
Treatment of spina bifida will be different for each person as
symptoms and severity can vary, says Boorgula Meher Thej. In
some cases, especially spina bifida occulta, no treatment may be
needed. However, myelomeningocele and meningocele require
surgery to put the exposed sack and nerves back in place. Some
of it may even need to be removed. The surgeon will then close
the opening above the vertebra. A shunt may be placed to avoid
complications later in life. This surgery is done soon after the
baby is born. In some cases, antenatal surgery is also done while
the baby continues to be within the womb. You should discuss
the benefits and risks of both types of surgery with your doctor.

About Dr Meher Thej AIIMS
Dr Meher Thej AIIMS is a Neurosurgeon. He trained at
AIIMS, New Delhi. He has experience in Neuro
Oncology, Skull-Based Vascular Neurosurgery, Pediatric
Neurosurgery, Functional-Epileptic Surgery, Spine
Surgery and Neurotrauma. Dr. Meher Tej AIIMS in life's
mission is to build a successful neurosurgical career,
serve the people and grow oneself by encompassing all
aspects of neurosurgery.