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Spina bifida means ‘split spine’ in Latin. In this article: What is spina bifida in children? Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment How Chemist Online can help Advice & Support What is spina bifida in children? Spina bifida is where your child’s spine or nervous system is affected due to a birth defect (or a series of birth defects) in early pregnancy. Where your child’s spine does not form properly during pregnancy (due to a problem with one of your child’s 33 vertebrae), the nerves in the spine may be damaged. This can lead to a range of symptoms. Note: The defect in the spine commonly occurs in the lumbar region. Symptoms In severe cases of spina bifida, paralysis below the affected part of the spine can occur. This is due to the incompletely formed or absent vertebral arch of your child’s spinal column. Other symptoms of spina bifida include: Mobility difficulties Breathing problems Bladder and bowel problems A small cyst on the back in the affected area (this will look like a blister) Causes Despite worldwide medical research, the exact cause of spina bifida is as yet unknown. However it has been suggested that spina bifida may be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. A shortage of folic acid in a mother’s diet during pregnancy is also thought to be a possible contributory factor in spina bifida occurring in a newborn baby. Also, alcohol consumption during pregnancy may lead to spina bifida occurring. Diagnosis Most cases of spina bifida are highlighted during a routine ultrasound scan or through an antenatal blood test or amniocentesis. If your child is diagnosed with spina bifida, they will be put in the care of a special team (this will include: a paediatrician, neurologist, occupational therapist, and other specially trained health professionals at your local hospital). Treatment Most cases of spina bifida do not require treatment. Where defects are severe, however, surgery may be recommended. To help with mobility, physiotherapy can be a good idea. This can be arranged through your GP. For parents of a child with spina bifida, emotional support will be made available in the form of counselling sessions with a trained professional. Also, for mothers-to-be, sufficient quantities of folic acid are important. These can be taken in the form of a folic acid supplement. How Chemist Online can help You can buy folic acid through this website. www.chemistonline.co.uk Advice & Support Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Tel: 0845 450 7755 Website: www.asbah.org Scottish Spina Bifida Association Tel: 0845 911 1112 Website: www.ssba.org.uk This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.
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