Learn more about Spina Bifida at http://www.spinabifida.net

2. Scientific and Common Name
 Scientific name as well as common name
is Spina Bifida
 However the 3 types are called
Spina Bifida Occulta-
Hidden
Meningocele-
Meninges push through
hole of the back
Myelomeningocele-
Spinal cord and meningies
push through hole of the back
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

3. Cause and Transmitted
 Spina Bifida is caused by the failure
of the babies spine to close properly
during the first month of pregnancy
 Most cases there is no familial
connection
 Low levels of folic acid before and
during pregnancy possibly partake in the cause
 Consume 0.4 mg per day through out first trimester
 Eggs, Orange juice, Dark green leafy vegetables
 Theory that viruses might play a role, since there is a
higher rate of this defect in newborns during winter
months
 High fever in pregnancy may increase a woman’s
risk
 Women with epilepsy who have taken Valpriolic acid
increases risk as well

4. Targeted Population
 No specific targeted population, anyone
can get it
 1 out of 800 babies are affected
 To reduce changes, it is
recommended to take
folic acid
 Women who have epilepsy
and take valpriolc acid to
control seizures have
a higher risk
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

5. Where and How
 This condition can affect the entire
length on the CNS, including the brain
as well as the entire spine
 Most cases have lots of brain
abnormalities, resulting in
hydrocephalus
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

6. Symptoms
 Spina Bifida Occulta has no outward signs or
symptoms besides a birthmark on the lower
spine
 Spina Bifida Manifesta
Loss of bladder/bowel control
Loss of sensation
Possibly paralysis of legs
Weakness in hips, legs, and feet
Possible abnormalities in feet
Hydrocephalus
Meningitis
UTI’s
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

7. Prognosis
 Most individuals live well into adulthood
depending on how bad their condition is
 Usually this condition can be surgically
corrected if needed
 Problems occur later in life, as the individual
hits puberty
-More loss of function
-Orthopedic problems
-Foot/ankle deformities
-Dislocation of hips
 Most individuals use a wheelchair,
walker, or crutches
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net

8. Vaccine or Treatment
 There is currently no cure or vaccine for this disorder
 Spina Bifida Occulta is hidden and leaves people unaffected
 There are two common treatments for Spina Bifida Manifesta
-Prenatal- Surgery is taken place between 19 and 25 weeks
of pregnancy. The uterus is opened up to where the baby’s back
is in sight and the sac is removed. The fetus and mother are then
examined and followed up with weekly ultrasounds. There is a
planned cesarean birth at 37 weeks.
-Postnatal- The same surgery is
taken place but 24 to 48 hours after a
cesarean birth at 37 weeks. A
cesarean birth is planned incase a
sac is present.
 Prenatal treatment is proven to be the
most beneficial though most dangerous
Educational Resource about Spina Bifida
http://www.spinabifida.net
©2011 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Visit
www.chop.edu for more information.

9. Resources
 http://www.spinabifida.net
 An educational resource about Spina Bifida

10. Resources
 http://www.spinabifida.net
 An educational resource about Spina Bifida