Health Issue: Spina Bifida

Causes

The cause of spina bifida is unknown. However, folic acid deficiency is thought to play a part in neural tube defects. It is recommended that any woman considering becoming pregnant take 0.4 mg of folic acid a day. Pregnant women need 1 mg per day.

Also, if a child is born with spina bifida, subsequent children in that family have a higher risk than the general population.

Some theorize that a virus make play a role, since there is a higher rate of this condition in children born in the early winter months. Research also indicates possible environmental factors such as radiation.

Symptoms of Spina Bifida

A newborn may have a sac sticking out of the mid to lower back. The doctor cannot see through the sac when shining a light behind it. Symptoms include:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Partial or complete lack of sensation
• Partial or complete paralysis of the legs
• Weakness of the hips, legs, or feet of a newborn

The exposed spinal cord is susceptible to infection. Other symptoms may include:

• Hair at the back part of the pelvis called the sacral area
• Dimpling of the sacral area