Spina bifida is a Latin term which means "split spine" and describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine, resulting in malformations of the spinal cord. The spinal membranes and spinal cord may protrude through the absence of vertebral arches (called clefts). These malformations fall into three categories: spina bifida occulta, spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele) and meningocele.

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect. Neural tube defects can usually be detected during pregnancy by AFP screening or a detailed fetal ultrasound. Spina bifida may be associated with other malformations as in dysmorphic syndromes, often resulting in spontaneous miscarriage. However, in the majority of cases spina bifida is an isolated malformation. Spina bifida has varying prevalence in different human populations. This and extensive evidence from mouse strains with spina bifida suggests a genetic basis. As with other human diseases such as cancer, hypertension and atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), spina bifida likely results from the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Despite much research it's still unknown what causes the majority of cases. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence supporting a significant protective effect of folic acid (0.4mg per day) when taken by women early in pregnancy. It is important to note that spina bifida occurs by the 4^th week of pregnancy before many women will be aware of a pregnancy, thus it is generally recommended that women of child-bearing age take a folic acid supplement (most multivitamins contain 0.4mg folic acid) if they are sexually active. Genetic counseling and further genetic testing, such as amniocentesis, may be offered during the pregnancy as some neural tube defects are associated with genetic disorders such as trisomy 18.

The most common locations of the malformations are in the lumbar and sacral areas. The lumbar nerves control the muscles in the hip, leg, knee and foot, and help to keep the body erect. The sacral nerves control some of the muscles in the feet, bowel and bladder and the ability to have an erection. Some degree of impairment can be expected in these areas.

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NEW BLOG ENTRY! Please read & share for Spina Bifida awareness! http://bit.ly/16CgGS
Laurita86 (Laurita86) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:08:10 -0000
NEW BLOG ENTRY! Please read & share for Spina Bifida awareness! http://bit.ly/16CgGS
Samuel's Spina Bifida Surgery In Utero-See Why not Abortion! http://bit.ly/GZNHq #yogi
inderyogi (Inder Yogi) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:35:48 -0000
Samuel's Spina Bifida Surgery In Utero-See Why not Abortion! http://bit.ly/GZNHq #yogi
Samuel's Spina Bifida Surgery In Utero-See Why not Abortion! http://bit.ly/GZNHq #simplerobb.com
simplerobb (SIMPLEROBB.COM) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:35:05 -0000
Samuel's Spina Bifida Surgery In Utero-See Why not Abortion! http://bit.ly/GZNHq #simplerobb.com
RT @Trapp_Starr: #whenimdrunk my spina bifida be acting up like a son of a no-name goat. Bwhahahahah! ROTFLMBO!!!
LadyH2O (Lacy ) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:02:27 -0000
RT @Trapp_Starr: #whenimdrunk my spina bifida be acting up like a son of a no-name goat. Bwhahahahah! ROTFLMBO!!!
#whenimdrunk my spina bifida be acting up like a son of a no-name goat. Bwhahahahah!
Trapp_Starr (Craig ) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:56:28 -0000
#whenimdrunk my spina bifida be acting up like a son of a no-name goat. Bwhahahahah!
Mom leads redesign of Le Bonheur spina bifida clinic. Makes process more family-friendly and efficient. http://ow.ly/zict
LeBonheurChild (LeBonheurChildren's) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:35:16 -0000
Mom leads redesign of Le Bonheur spina bifida clinic. Makes process more family-friendly and efficient. http://ow.ly/zict

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