Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a medical condition of an unborn fetus that means incomplete development of the spine during the first month of pregnancy. Moreover, this is the most common inborn disorder that is mostly affected in the United States. The term spina bifida means split spine.
Specifically, spina bifida occurs during the first 28 days of pregnancy, even before the pregnancy is confirmed by the women. The condition is a type of neural tube defect (NTD).
In addition, in some uncommon cases, the spina bifida in India is very serious. The condition varies widely in degree. Generally, most of the cases are mild that have no symptoms and even can be treated without any serious treatment.
However, in more uncommon cases of such disorder, infants are born with open lesions on their spine that lead to damage to surrounding nerves and spinal cord. The opening can be treated through surgery, but the nerve damage can't be solved and results in permanent disability. Furthermore, spina bifida can take place anywhere in the back bone.
Types of spina bifida
There are mainly three types of spina bifida that include:
- Spina bifida occulta
- Meningocele
- Myelomeningocele
Understanding the types in more elaborated form
- Spina bifida occulta Spina bifida occulta is the most common type of disorder. It normally needs a small area of the spine, it usually shows no symptoms and it does not need any treatment. The skin covers the deformity of the spinal bone in an infant who is born with spina bifida occulta. Spina bifida occulta will cause issues when a child grows to adolescence. While the growth spurt of adolescence begins the nerves of the spinal cord become stretched. This can cause weakness and numbness in the legs, bladder infection and lack of bladder and bowel control.
- Meningocele This is the least common type of spina bifida, the meninges (membrane surrounding the spinal cord) protrude causing a lump or sac on the back. This condition is more intense than spina bifida occulta, meningocele can be treated with surgical procedures that can cause less or no damage. The surgery is performed during infancy. In the case of meningocele the spinal cord is usually formed and remains unaffected. So the child can be prevented from experiencing neurological issues.
- Myelomeningocele This is the most serious form of spina bifida, which occurs once in every 1,000 live births. The spinal cord does not develop properly and the area of the undeveloped cord protrudes through the back. A sac that contains cerebrospinal fluid and blood vessels around the protruding cord, that is uncovered by the skin so that the nerves and tissues are exposed.
Spina bifida in adults
Different issues are faced by the young adults who are experiencing spina bifida than children do that includes:
- Normal people experience loss of muscle strength and flexibility, less physical stamina and reduction in sensory abilities tend to decline faster.
- Change in bowel patterns that include abdominal pain and constipation.
- Orthopedic problems such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and back pain.
- Loss of skin sensation, inability to sweat, bad circulation, bruising and late wound healing.
- High blood pressure
- Latex allergy
- Sleep apnea that can result in damage to the heart.
- Females with the medical condition of spina bifida can get pregnant but the pregnancy becomes more complex.
Cost of spina bifida in India
The cost of spina bifida in India is affordable and cost effective than other western nations. India is a hub for medical treatment that performs all types of treatment at most reasonable costs. Providing the top notch facilities and medical services without compromising the quality of treatment, this makes India a more approachable destination for medical treatment.
However, the overall cost of the treatment may vary depending on several factors. These factors include the surgeon’s expertise, the type of implant, the location of the hospital, and more.
Summary
Spina bifida is a medical condition of an unborn fetus that means incomplete development of the spine during the first month of pregnancy.
In addition, in some uncommon cases, the spina bifida in India is very serious. Generally, most of the cases are mild that have no symptoms and even can be treated without any serious treatment.
