Spina bifida

Spina bifida is Latin for ‘split spine’. It is one of a class of serious birth defects called neural tube defects (NTD). It is an abnormality of the folding of the posterior surface of the embryo, which normally forms the vertebral column with its muscles and the spinal cord and the spinal nerves.

Because of this abnormality, the growing embryo does not develop normally and the spinal cord and nerves are exposed on the surface of the back, instead of being inside a canal of bone surrounded by muscle. This means that the spinal cord and nerves can be easily damaged.

Almost always, the nerves supplying the parts of the body located below the level of the exposed area do not function properly, leading to a range of motor and sensory problems, and disturbance of bodily functions, such as bowel and bladder.

The other main type of NTD is anencephaly in which the brain and upper part of the skull are not developed properly. All babies with anencephaly will either be stillborn or die soon after birth.

Pregnant woman or women planning to become pregnant should take folate regularly to reduce the risk of the fetus developing spina bifida.

Most cases of spina bifida are detected before birth. Spina bifida cannot be cured, but a range of treatments and management options is available.