Spina Bifida: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Anita Tripathy , Pediatricians

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Spina Bifida is a birth defect that happens when a baby's spine and spinal cord do not form properly during early pregnancy. It is a type of neural tube defect. This incomplete closure can lead to damage to the spinal cord and nerves, causing a range of physical and neurological problems.

Some children have mild symptoms, while others may face more serious challenges, including difficulty with movement, bladder and bowel control, or learning. Early diagnosis and medical care can improve outcomes and help children live active, healthy lives.

Spina Bifida Types

Spina Bifida can appear in different forms, ranging from mild to severe:

Spina Bifida Occulta

The mildest form. The spinal bones do not close completely, but the spinal cord and nerves are usually unaffected. Often, there are no visible symptoms and many people may not know they have it.

Meningocele

The protective covering of the spinal cord (meninges) pushes through the opening in the spine, forming a sac filled with fluid. The spinal cord itself is usually not damaged and surgery can often correct it with minimal complications.

Myelomeningocele

The most severe form. Both the meninges and spinal cord protrude through the opening in the spine. This can cause significant nerve damage, leading to physical disabilities, bladder and bowel problems, and other complications.

Each type of Spina Bifida requires different levels of medical care and support depending on the severity.

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Spina Bifida Symptoms

The symptoms of Spina Bifida depend on the type and severity of the condition.

Common symptoms may include:

• Physical problems: Weakness or paralysis in the legs, difficulty walking, or abnormal curvature of the spine.
• Bladder and bowel issues: Trouble controlling urination or bowel movements.
• Visible signs: A sac or dimple on the baby's back. It is more common in meningocele or myelomeningocele.
• Neurological issues: Learning difficulties, coordination problems, or hydrocephalus, extra fluid in the brain.
• Other complications: Seizures or skin problems near the affected area.

Mild forms like Spina Bifida Occulta may not show any symptoms, while severe forms can affect mobility and daily life significantly.

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Spina Bifida Causes

Spina Bifida occurs when the neural tube, which later develops into the brain and spinal cord, does not close properly during early pregnancy. The exact cause is not always clear, but several factors may increase the risk:

• Genetic factors: The family history of neural tube defects may increase the chance.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of folic acid (vitamin B9) before and during early pregnancy.
• Maternal health conditions: Diabetes or obesity in the mother can raise risk.
• Medications: Certain anti-seizure medications taken during pregnancy.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins or harmful chemicals during early pregnancy.

Most cases of Spina Bifida result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

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Spina Bifida Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of a baby being born with Spina Bifida:

• Family history: Parents or siblings with neural tube defects.
• Maternal folic acid deficiency: Not getting enough folic acid before and during early pregnancy.
• Maternal health conditions: Diabetes or obesity in the mother.
• Medications during pregnancy: Certain anti-seizure or other medications.
• Age of the mother: Very young or older mothers may have a slightly higher risk.

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Complications of Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida can lead to several physical and neurological complications depending on severity:

Spina Bifida In children:

• Difficulty walking or using the legs
• Bladder and bowel control problems
• Hydrocephalus, fluid buildup in the brain
• Learning difficulties or delayed development
• Muscle weakness or paralysis

Spina Bifida In adults:

• Chronic back or leg pain
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Bladder or bowel control issues
• Mobility problems and muscle stiffness
• Complications from untreated or mild cases detected later

Early medical care, therapy and Spina Bifida surgery can reduce complications and improve the quality of life.

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When to See a Doctor for Spina Bifida?

Consult a Spina Bifida doctor if you notice any signs of Spina Bifida in a newborn, child, or adult, or if there are concerns during pregnancy.

Seek medical advice if:

• A newborn has a visible opening or sac on the back.
• A child shows weakness, trouble walking, or poor coordination.
• Bladder or bowel control problems appear.
• Adults experience chronic back or leg pain, numbness, or mobility difficulties.
• Prenatal tests indicate possible neural tube defects in the baby.

Early medical care helps manage symptoms, prevent complications and improve quality of life.

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Spina Bifida Diagnosis

Spina Bifida can often be detected before birth, at birth, or later in life depending on severity.

Diagnosis methods include:

• Prenatal screening: Blood tests and an ultrasound during pregnancy can detect neural tube defects.
• Amniocentesis: A sample of amniotic fluid may be tested for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to check for Spina Bifida.
• Physical examination: At birth, doctors may notice a visible sac, tuft of hair, or dimple on the baby's back.
• Imaging tests: MRI or CT scans can show spinal cord and nerve involvement.
• Neurological exams: Check muscle strength, reflexes and coordination to assess severity.

Early diagnosis enables timely interventions, Spina Bifida surgery if necessary and planning for therapies to support development.

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Treatment and Management of Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida cannot always be fully cured, but with early treatment, ongoing care and support, children and adults can lead healthier and more active lives.

Spina Bifida Surgery

• For severe forms like myelomeningocele, surgery is often done soon after birth to close the spinal opening and protect the spinal cord.
• In some cases, prenatal surgery (before birth) may be performed to reduce nerve damage and improve outcomes for the baby.
• Surgery helps prevent infections, further nerve injury and complications associated with the spinal defect.

Medical Management

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves balance and supports coordination.
• Exercises help children learn to walk, stand or use mobility aids effectively.
• Rehabilitation programs focus on improving posture, flexibility and daily living skills.

Mobility aids

• Depending on the child's leg strength, braces, walkers or wheelchairs may be used.
• These aids increase independence and make daily activities easier.
• Regular assessment ensures the aids are adjusted as the child grows and gains strength.

Bladder and bowel management

• Many children with Spina Bifida have bladder or bowel control problems.
• Doctors may recommend catheters, medications, or surgery to help manage incontinence.
• Training and routines help children maintain hygiene and independence.

Ongoing medical care

• Children with Spina Bifida require regular check-ups with pediatricians, neurologists, and other specialists.
• Monitoring growth, development and spine or nerve issues is crucial.
• Early detection of complications allows timely interventions.

Support and education

• Early intervention programs help children develop learning and social skills.
• School support ensures children can participate in education according to their abilities.
• Family guidance and counseling provide tools to manage daily challenges and promote independence.

With proper care, therapy and support, many children and adults with Spina Bifida can lead active, fulfilling and productive lives.

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Prevention of Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida cannot always be prevented, but you can lower the risk by:

• Taking enough folic acid before and during early pregnancy.
• Eating a healthy diet and having regular prenatal check-ups.
• Managing medical conditions like diabetes or obesity.
• Avoiding harmful medications and toxins during pregnancy.
• Getting early prenatal screening to detect any problems.

These steps help support healthy development and reduce the chance of Spina Bifida.

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Conclusion

Spina Bifida is a birth defect affecting the spine and nerves, causing physical and neurological challenges. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, surgery if needed, therapy and continuous support, children and adults can improve mobility, independence and overall quality of life.

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