Spina Bifida Treatment

An Overview of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube disorder whereby the spinal column does not close fully before the baby is born. It is among the neural tube disorders. The neural tube is the formation that in further development becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord, and tissues that cover it.

Usually, the neural tube develops at the early stage of pregnancy and it is closed by the 4th week of pregnancy. However, in babies with spina bifida, it is similar to anencephaly in that at some stage of human development, a portion of the neural tube does not close or develop appropriately, and thus the spinal nerves and the bones of the spine are affected.

Spina bifida varies in severity, starting with a small opening in the spinal cord and coccyx area, resulting in increased spasticity in the legs and bowel and bladder dysfunction for severe cases of spina bifida. However, if needed early intervention such as surgery may be called for in the case of spina bifida even though the problem is not always fully addressable.

What Are The Different Types of Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida Occulta

It is a less severe form of spina bifida and is often asymptomatic. Occulta means concealed, in this instance, the defect is concealed with skin. There may be a little patch of hair on the part of the skin that overlies the lower spine, a birthmark, or a little dimple between the two rounds of the buttocks. In most cases, children with spina bifida occulta do not experience complications with their overall well-being and development.

Meningocele Spina Bifida

It is characterized by the meningocele spinal fluid as well as the meninges herniate through an abnormally formed vertebral opening, forming a sac filled with spinal fluid. This sac is clearly noticeable on the head, neck, or back of a baby. Although some patients with meningocele may not exhibit signs of genetic disability, others may present with symptoms as severe as quadriplegia with incontinence of urine/ stool.

Myelomeningocele

Commonly referred to as open spina bifida, represents the most severe manifestation of this condition. It involves the spinal canal being exposed along multiple vertebrae in the lower or middle back, leading to either partial or complete paralysis of the body parts located below the spinal opening. Individuals affected by myelomeningocele may experience significant impairments, such as the inability to walk and issues with bladder and bowel control. Additionally, it is frequent for infants with this condition to develop hydrocephalus.

Factors that can Affect the Cost of Spina Bifida Treatment in India

Medication costs
Patient condition
Duration of treatment
Geographical location
Hospitalization expenses
Government policies and subsidies
Medical tourism packages
Hospital reputation and infrastructure
The expertise and experience of medical professionals
The type and frequency of diagnostic procedures
The choice of treatment modality

How is Spina Bifida Treated?

Spina bifida is treated by either performing surgery on the fetus before the baby is born or soon after the baby is born.

Postnatal Operation of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida operation is done after delivery, and the pregnancy is checked before delivering through a cesarean section at 37 weeks. Mostly, spina bifida may be operated on soon after the birth of the baby within 24 to 48 hours.

General anesthesia will be administered to your child.
If present, the myelomeningocele (MMC) sac is shaved off during surgery by a pediatric neurosurgeon.
To secure the spine, the specialist sutures the rest of the tissue and skin over the opening.
The baby who undergoes surgery is then administered to the Neonatal/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit or N/IICU.

Prenatal Spina Bifida Surgery (Prenatal Spina Bifida Repair)

Prenatal SPB surgery is the surgical intervention done during pregnancy to correct an opening in the spine as well as other structures and tissues of the fetus. Preventive surgery on MMC helps prevent further harm as spinal cord damage rises during pregnancy.

Benefits:

Prevents ventricular shunting and fluid buildup in the brain
Reduces risk or severity of neurological complications
Improves motor and sensory function in lower limbs
Enhances chances of independent walking
Corrects anterior brain herniation (Arnold Chiari II dysraphism)

Why Patients Choose India for Spina Bifida Treatment?

Complete treatment transparency
Multidisciplinary team of specialists
International standard care
Reasonable pricing
Top-notch services ensuring infection-free status

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is It Possible for Kids with Spina Bifida to Grow Up and Have Normal Lives?
A: A child with spina bifida can, in fact, live complete lives. 90% of babies born with spina bifida survive to adulthood, 80% have normal IQ, and 75% participate in sports and other enjoyable activities.

Q: What Are the Folic Acid’s Natural Sources?
A: Eggs, orange juice, and dark green leafy vegetables are good sources of folic acid.

Q: What Does Neural Tube Mean?
A: The embryonic structure known as the neural tube gives rise to the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues of an infant. The neural tube typically develops early in pregnancy and closes on day 28 following conception.

Q: What Is the Purpose of Treating Spina Bifida?
A: The aim of spina bifida treatment is to help patients lead a lifestyle in which their impairment causes the least amount of disruption to their regular activities.

Q: How Can One Avoid Developing Spina Bifida?
A: Women of reproductive age who take folic acid daily before becoming pregnant and for the duration of the first trimester can avoid many incidences of spina bifida.