Spina bifida means “split spine” or “open spine.” It is caused by the tissue called neural tube, which provides the formation of the spinal cord before birth, not fully completing its developmental stages. The most important factor is folic acid deficiency in the mother. Since the neural tube begins to develop in the early stages of pregnancy, the mother must take folic acid supplements from the moment she decides to become pregnant, that is, before becoming pregnant. Many studies emphasize that spina bifida is almost not seen in those who take folic acid supplements before pregnancy.
If a baby is born with an opening in its back, it means that the neural tube is not fully closed. It is a very serious condition and one of the most common congenital diseases. Of course, there are different types of spina bifida, named according to the degree of openness. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form in which there is only an opening in the spine, nerve tissues are preserved. Meningocele, there is an opening in the spine and the spinal cord membrane has protruded from this opening, it is observed as a cyst and it is likely to benefit from surgery. Meningomyelocele, there is an opening in the spine, there are also nerve tissues in the protruding spinal cord membrane, it is the most severe form and there is a high probability of sequelae in these patients.
Treatment of spina bifida disease is performed by neurosurgeons. A neurosurgeon; In addition to treatments such as low back pain treatment, herniated disc surgery, cervical disc herniation surgery, Alzheimer's treatment, brain surgery, brain tumor surgery, it also treats spinal cord diseases such as spina bifida.
These patients usually have a visible back gap. Sometimes, in its mild form, it may appear as increased hair growth on the back, a hole, or a cystic appearance. After a detailed physical examination, tomography and MRI are performed. The open form must be operated on within 3 days after birth at the latest.
Spina bifida surgeries are interventions that require a neonatal intensive care bed, especially performed by pediatric neurosurgeons. Sometimes, even if everything goes well, patients may have sequelae.
Read: 0
