About
spina bifida
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs when a foetus’s spine and spinal cord do not develop properly. At approximately 4 weeks gestation, a normal foetus will have a completely closed neural tube which will later develop into the brain and spinal cord.
There are different severities of spina bifida that depend on how far the neural tube formed. In the most severe type, myelomeningocele, the spinal canal remains completely open and the spinal cord and membranes are exposed in a fluid filled sac at the bottom of the babies back.
The outlook of a diagnosed foetus can vary, and aspects of their life can greatly depend on the lesion position according to studies. It has been found that the higher up the lesion is on the back, the smaller rate of survival. However, for those with lesions below the L5 position (Lumbar vertebrae), there is over a 90% chance of those diagnosed being able to walk unaided in adulthood. New foetal surgeries performed in an attempt to close the neural tube have been proven to reduce the chances of disabilities.
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WHO’s definition for quality of life
Glossary
Spina bifida – Is a neural tube defect where the babies spine and spinal cord do not develop properly in the womb.
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Foetus – An unborn human.
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Gestation – The time between conception and birth.
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Lesion - a region in an organ or tissue which has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer, abscess, or tumour.
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Lumbar - Is part of the spine situated between the thoracic (chest) region of the spine and the sacrum (back part of the pelvis).
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Prevalence - the proportion of persons in a population who have a particular disease or attribute at a specified point in time or over a specified period of time.
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Two fold - To double the number or amount.