SPINA BIFIDA
DISEASE PROCESS
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Birth defect that happens because the spinal cord and spine don’t form properly – creates gap in the spine
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Backbone that protects spinal cord doesn’t form and close
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Type of neural tube defect
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The neural tube is the part of the embryo that eventually becomes the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues
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3 types
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Spina Bifida Occulta
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No sings & symptoms (very small gap) “hidden”
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Small abnormities in the vertebrae
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Some people may never even know that they have it
Myelomeningocele
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Most severe
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Spinal cord is sticking out of baby’s back
Meningocele
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No nerves affected
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Spinal cord isn’t in the fluid sac, but the sac is sticking out of the baby’s back
Photo Retrieved From: healthychildren.org
ETIOLOGY
 Exact cause is unknown
 Many things can increase the likelihood of
developing the condition:
o Lack of folic acid during pregnancy
o Family history
o Certain medications during pregnancy
o Obesity
o Diabetes
Photo retrieved from: mayoclinic.org
REFERENCES
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 8). Spina
bifida. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spina-bifida/symptoms-causes/syc20377860#dialogId590496
NHS. (n.d.). Spina Bifida . NHS choices. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/spina-bifida/
Spina bifida. HealthyChildren.org. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmentaldisabilities/Pages/Spina-Bifida.aspx