congenital⚑ High burden in India
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a birth defect in which there is incomplete closing of the spine and the around the spinal cord during early development in pregnancy. There are three main types: spina bifida occulta, meningocele and myelomeningocele. Meningocele and myelomeningocele may be collectively referred to as spina bifida cystica due to the protrusion of the spinal cord and/or meninges through defects in the vertebral arches, resulting in a meningeal cyst. The most common location is the lower back, but in rare cases it may be in the middle back or neck.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Hairy patch, dimple, dark spot, swelling on the lower back
Causes — why it happens
- · and environmental factors
How it's found
- ·Amniocentesis, medical
Prevention
- · supplementation
Treatment
- ·
Complications
- ·Poor ability to walk, problems with or bowel control, hydrocephalus, tethered spinal cord, latex allergy
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See all of Brain & Nerves →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.