Spina Bifida
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: India continues to report one of the highest global burdens of Spina Bifida, despite clear scientific evidence that pre-conception folic acid intake can prevent over 70% of cases.
About Spina Bifida:
What it is?
• Spina Bifida is a congenital neural tube defect in which the spinal cord and its protective coverings fail to develop properly during early pregnancy, leading to varying degrees of paralysis and lifelong disability.
Nature of condition:
• Non-communicable, non-infectious birth defect
• Occurs due to abnormal closure of the neural tube in the first 28 days after conception
• Strongly linked to maternal folate deficiency
Causes:
• Inadequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy (primary cause)
• Poor maternal nutrition and anaemia
• Unplanned pregnancies without micronutrient supplementation
• Possible genetic susceptibility combined with environmental factors
Key features of Spina Bifida:
• Visible swelling/lump on the back: In open spina bifida, the spinal cord or its coverings protrude through an opening in the spine, appearing as a sac-like swelling at birth.
• Paralysis or weakness of lower limbs: Damage to spinal nerves leads to partial or complete loss of movement and sensation in the legs, depending on the level of defect.
• Hydrocephalus: Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain occurs due to impaired drainage, often requiring surgical shunt placement.
• Urinary and bowel incontinence: Nerve damage affects bladder and bowel control, causing lifelong difficulties in continence management.
• Orthopaedic deformities (club foot): Muscle imbalance and nerve dysfunction result in skeletal abnormalities such as club foot and joint contractures.
Treatment of Spina Bifida:
• Early surgical repair: Closure of the spinal defect soon after birth to prevent infection and further nerve damage.
• Hydrocephalus management: Placement of a ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt to drain excess fluid from the brain.
• Rehabilitation care: Long-term physiotherapy and occupational therapy to maximise mobility and independence.
• Orthopaedic interventions: Corrective surgeries, braces, or casts for deformities such as club foot.