Spina Bifida Research Paper

Spina Bifida A type of birth defect that affects the skeletal system is Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida is a nueral tube defect that occurs when the bones of the spine or the vertebrae do not form accurately around the spinal cord. In severe cases it can inhibit a persons walking or daily activities. There are three basic forms of Spina Bifida. The mildest form is Occulta, the next would be Meningocele and the most severe is Myelomeningocele. (http://www. uptodate. com/contents/overview-of-the-management-of-myelomeningocele-spina-bifida 2012) Myelomeningocele is the case that affects the skeletal system the most.With this, the nerves in the spine protrude out of the spinal canal and a bulge in the skin may appear. If nerves become damaged, there may be a high chance that there could be problems with walking, coordination and bowel and bladder control. The exact cause of Spina Bifida is not known. (Foti 2012) Some say that it could be genetic and is more likely to happen in women that are obese and have diabetes. Symptoms that may indicate that a child has Spina Bifida, include, a curve in the spine, nerves coming out of the back and swelling of the spine.Also, the child will have nerve damage, which can mean that they will have little or no feeling in the legs, feet and or arms. (http://www. mayoclinic. com/health/spina-bifida/DS00417 2012) Another indicator could be a build up of fluid in the brain. Spinal deformity occurs most frequently in patients with Myelomeningocele. It can manifest as kyphosis, scoliosis or lordosis. Most children diagnosed with Spina Bifida also have an allergy to latex. (http://www. everydayhealth. com/health-center/spina-bifida-symptoms. aspx 2012) The diagnosis for Spina Bifida is usually determined by a blood test that a woman has during pregnancy.Most people find out that their child has this defect before he or she is born. If it is not determined before birth, it may be diagnosed by how the baby’s back looks and as they get to the pint of where they should start crawling and standing. You will be able to notice how the weekness in the muscle and bones are. Children that are born wih Spina Bifida may also have mental disabilities as well because it affects the brain just as much as it affects the spine and nerves. (http://www. spinabifidaassociation. org/site/c. evKRI7OXIoJ8H/b. 8029563/k. 83B2/