Spina Bifida is a rare disorder where some of the vertebrae didn’t achieve the ring-shaped figure due to disruption to the overall spine development. This is characterized by the opening in the vertebrae instead of forming into a ring-shaped pattern. And since part of the spinal cord becomes exposed, this leads to problems relating to body movements.
Depending on the size of the opening in the vertebrae, spina bifida can be classified into three, namely:
- Spina Bifida Occulta – This is just a tiny vertebral opening, therefore making the spinal cord still hidden. Those who have this kind usually suffer no or little ill effects due to the fact that the opening isn’t large enough to become a problem.
- Spina Bifida Cystica Meningocele – In this case, the opening in the vertebrae is big enough that some of the spinal cord membrane is sticking out into the opening. This is usually painful that some motor activities such as walking and standing are usually affected and difficult to do.
- Spina Bifida Cystica Myelomeningocele – This is the most serious case wherein not only the membrane but also parts of the spinal cord are sticking out into the vertebral opening. Unlike the second one, there’s no doubt that most motor activities are very difficult, if not impossible to accomplish. The affected motor activities depend on where the opening is located.
This usually occurs due to folic acid deficiency of the mother when she is pregnant. If the deficiency remains uncontrolled, it can disrupt her child’s overall bone development, including the spine itself. As of now, there’s no complete cure but surgery can definitely reduce its ill effects in the patient’s body.