Overview

脊柱裂是所谓的神经管缺陷。它发生在出生前发育期间。脊髓，大脑或脑膜（其保护性覆盖）并未完全发展。它可以沿着脊椎沿线的任何地方，通常可以在婴儿出生时的背面开口处看到。它也可能是一袋液体，在脊柱上体外生长。这个麻袋可能会或可能不包括内部的脊髓。

脊柱裂有三种类型：脊髓脑膜膨出，脑膜烯和脊柱裂。

脊髓烯环烯

This is the most common and serious type of spina bifida. It involves a sack outside the opening in the baby’s back somewhere on the spine. This sack contains parts of the spinal cord and nerves. The spinal cord and nerves in the sack will be damaged.

People with myelomeningocele have physical disabilities that range from moderate to severe. These disabilities may include:

  • incontinence
  • difficulty going to the bathroom
  • inability to move or feel their legs or feet

Meningocele

这种类型的脊柱裂还涉及婴儿背面的开口外的一袋液体。但是，麻袋不包含脊髓的任何部分。由于没有太多的神经损伤，因此脑膜炎仅会导致轻微的残疾。

Spina bifida occulta

This is a mild type of spina bifida. It may also go by the term “hidden” spina bifida. It does not cause any disabilities and may go unnoticed until later in life. There is usually no opening in the baby’s back, but only a gap in the spine. In this type, there is no damage to the spinal cord or the nerves.

The symptoms of spina bifida are different for each type. They can also vary from person to person within each type.

脊髓烯环烯

Symptoms of myelomeningocele spina bifida include:

  • open spinal canal over some vertebrae, usually in the middle or lower part of the back
  • membranes and spinal cord pushed outside the back in an exposed or skin-covered sack
  • weak or paralyzed leg muscles
  • seizures
  • deformed feet
  • hips that are not even
  • scoliosis (curved spine)
  • 和肠道问题bladder

Meningocele

Symptoms of meningocele type of spina bifida include:

  • 后面的小开口
  • sack that’s visible at birth
  • 膜从椎骨的开口推入麻袋
  • normal development of the spinal cord

Membranes can be surgically removed in cases of meningocele.

Spina bifida occulta

Symptoms of spina bifida occulta include:

  • a gap in between vertebrae
  • no visible opening outside
  • no fluid-filled sack outside the body
  • small birthmark or dimple on the back
  • 背面的小组或头发簇
  • an area of extra fat on the back

A person may not ever know they have this type of spina bifida.

脊柱裂的所有确切原因均未具体理解。但是，它涉及遗传学和环境因素的结合。一个患有脊柱裂的孩子，即使遗传学有一个因素，也可能没有任何病情的亲戚。还认为，缺乏叶酸（也称为维生素B-9）在脊柱裂中起作用。

Other factors that are believed to play a role include:

  • 肥胖
  • diabetesin the mother that is not well controlled
  • 一些药物

Spina bifida is not curable, so it will need to be managed your entire life.

In children

For children, treatment focuses on determining the extent of symptoms and disabilities as they develop and preventing those that can be prevented. Proper rehabilitation and medical interventions will be determined and used throughout the child’s development. Childhood is also the time for parents and medical staff to instill a positive attitude toward treatment and management to help the child develop a positive outlook.

In adults

成年后，已知大多数症状和残疾。应对机制，药物，疗法和任何步行辅助工具通常都在适当的位置。许多患有脊柱裂的儿童长大后就上大学并有职业。有些也独立生活。

However, ongoing medical issues can develop throughout the life of a person with spina bifida. Further, some people with more severe disabilities may struggle socially due to stigma and have difficulty finding careers that will fit with their disabilities. However, a good support network can help ease the negative effects.

The treatment for spina bifida will be different for each person because symptoms and severity can vary. In some cases, especially in spina bifida occulta, there may not be any treatment needed.

However, myelomeningocele and meningocele require surgery to put the exposed sack and nerves back in place. Some of it may also require removal. The surgeon will then close the opening over the vertebrae. There may be a shunt put in place to avoid complications later in life. This surgery may be performed shortly after the child’s birth. In some cases, prenatal surgery may be done while the baby is still in the womb. You should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of both types of surgery.

Even after surgery is performed, some symptoms and disability can remain. They will need to be managed based on the severity of each symptom.麻痹and bowel and bladder issues typically remain throughout life. Treatment for remaining symptoms can include:

  • additional surgeries
  • medications
  • physical therapy
  • rehabilitation services
  • walking aids

Spina bifida occurs very early in pregnancy. Most women don’t even know they’re pregnant by the time it occurs. So if you’re trying to become pregnant, you should start taking preventive measures against spina bifida. Follow these preventive steps:

  • Take a folic acid supplement as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Include leafy green vegetables, nuts, beans, and other foods that contain folic acid in your diet.
  • Discuss any medications or supplements you take with your doctor.
  • If you have diabetes, make sure it’s under control prior to pregnancy.
  • 如果您超重，则应与医生讨论健康的饮食和锻炼计划。
  • Keep your body from overheating from saunas, hot tubs, or a fever.

With proper treatment and management of spina bifida, even people with severe forms can live productive lives. If you have spina bifida, it’s important to stay in contact with your team of medical professionals to track any changes or other medical conditions that may arise throughout your life. They will help you continue to manage your spina bifida effectively.