As this eMedTV article explains, spina bifida is a condition in which the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings are not completely developed -- it affects over 1,500 U.S. babies each year. This page discusses spina bifida in detail.
The three main types of spina bifida are spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at each of these spina bifida types and their characteristic symptoms.
This eMedTV article discusses spina bifida occulta, a condition in which one or more vertebrae are malformed, but the nerves and spinal cord are normal and covered by a layer of skin. This article describes spina bifida occulta in detail.
As this eMedTV article explains, meningocele is a condition that occurs when the spinal cord develops normally but the meninges protrude from a spinal opening. This Web page provides an overview of this type of spina bifida.
Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. As this eMedTV segment explains, it is characterized by exposure of the spinal cord through an opening in the spine. This resource offers an in-depth look at myelomeningocele.
The symptoms of spina bifida can include paralysis and a fluid-filled sac protruding from the spinal cord. This eMedTV article discusses possible symptoms of spina bifida and explains that some people with the disorder have no outward symptoms.
Genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors may play a role in causing spina bifida. As this part of the eMedTV library explains, however, no one knows the exact cause. This page offers an overview of the possible causes of spina bifida.
Researchers are trying to understand why some children are more susceptible to spina bifida than others. This eMedTV segment discusses the genetic cause of spina bifida as well as other factors that may play a role in causing this disorder.
This eMedTV resource explains that when diagnosing spina bifida, a doctor may use tests such as amniocentesis and second-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening. This Web page discusses prenatal and postnatal spina bifida diagnosis.
Treatment of spina bifida can include options such as surgery, braces, and wheelchairs. As this eMedTV article explains, proper treatment can help prevent infections and manage complications. This page describes spina bifida treatment in detail.
Consuming at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day can help prevent spina bifida. This eMedTV article talks about ways of possibly preventing spina bifida, including eating foods (such as green leafy vegetables) that contain folic acid.
The effects of spina bifida can range from minor physical problems to severe physical disabilities. This eMedTV article discusses the effects of spina bifida, which are determined by several factors involving the spinal malformation.
As this eMedTV segment explains, there is no cure for spina bifida. However, there are treatments that can prevent and manage complications. This article talks about these treatment options, which include surgery and ongoing medical care.
As this eMedTV article explains, spina bifida research is making advances in understanding spina bifida and finding new methods of treatment and prevention. This part of the Web site describes the latest research on spina bifida.
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