i was told that my grandson has spinal difia, what is spinal difia?

Question

i know it has something to do with his spine not not being encased in a covering. His spine is on the outside of his covering.

Answer 1

Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine, resulting in malformations of the spinal cord. The spinal membranes and spinal cord may protrude through the absence of vertebral arches (called clefts). These malformations fall into three categories: spina bifida occulta, spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele), and meningocele.

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect. Neural tube defects can usually be detected during pregnancy by AFP screening or a detailed fetal ultrasound. Spina bifida may be associated with other malformations as in dysmorphic syndromes, often resulting in spontaneous miscarriage. However, in the majority of cases spina bifida is an isolated malformation. Spina bifida has varying prevalence in different human populations. This and extensive evidence from mouse strains with spina bifida suggests a genetic basis. As with other human diseases such as cancer, hypertension and atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), spina bifida likely results from the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Despite much research, it is still unknown what causes the majority of cases. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence supporting a significant protective effect of folic acid (0.4 mg per day) when taken by women early in pregnancy. It is important to note that spina bifida occurs by the fourth week of pregnancy before many women will be aware of a pregnancy, thus it is generally recommended that women of child-bearing age take a folic acid supplement (most multivitamins contain 0.4mg folic acid) if they are sexually active. Genetic counseling and further genetic testing, such as amniocentesis, may be offered during the pregnancy as some neural tube defects are associated with genetic disorders such as trisomy 18.

The most common locations of the malformations are in the lumbar and sacral areas. The lumbar nerves control the muscles in the hip, leg, knee and foot, and help to keep the body erect. The sacral nerves control some of the muscles in the feet, bowel and bladder and the ability to have an erection. Some degree of impairment can be expected in these areas.

Answer 2

Spina Bifida
There are 3 types-there are several websites that will give you information-below describes the 3 types, but go to the wesite and it will give you more information. Good luck-
1. Spina Bifida Occulta: There is an opening in one or more of the vertebrae (bones) of the spinal column without apparent damage to the spinal cord.

2. Meningocele: The meninges, or protective covering around the spinal cord, has pushed out through the opening in the vertebrae in a sac called the "meningocele." However, the spinal cord remains intact. This form can be repaired with little or no damage to the nerve pathways.

3. Myelomeningocele: This is the most severe form of spina bifida, in which a portion of the spinal cord itself protrudes through the back. In some cases, sacs are covered with skin; in others, tissue and nerves are exposed. Generally, people use the terms "spina bifida" and "myelomeningocele" interchangeably.


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Incidence
Approximately 40% of all Americans may have spina bifida occulta, but because they experience little or no symptoms, very few of them ever know that they have it. The other two types of spina bifida, meningocele and myelomeningocele, are known collectively as "spina bifida manifesta," and occur in approximately one out of every thousand births. Of these infants born with "spina bifida manifesta," about 4% have the meningocele form, while about 96% have myelomeningocele form.

Answer 3

It's Spinal Bifida and you have the right explanation. In some cases, if caught early enough by specialists, artificial casings can be used to strengthen the spine. In most cases, it's like a severe scoliosis, as the spine is not protected nor reinforced, making it "loose" and unable to straigthten out or hold the weight of the head and body. Often it leads to using a wheel chair or brace for ambulation.

Answer 4

Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine, resulting in malformations of the spinal cord. The spinal membranes and spinal cord may protrude through the absence of vertebral arches (called clefts). These malformations fall into three categories: spina bifida occulta, spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele), and meningocele.

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect. Neural tube defects can usually be detected during pregnancy by AFP screening or a detailed fetal ultrasound. Spina bifida may be associated with other malformations as in dysmorphic syndromes, often resulting in spontaneous miscarriage. However, in the majority of cases spina bifida is an isolated malformation. Spina bifida has varying prevalence in different human populations. This and extensive evidence from mouse strains with spina bifida suggests a genetic basis. As with other human diseases such as cancer, hypertension and atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), spina bifida likely results from the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Despite much research, it is still unknown what causes the majority of cases. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence supporting a significant protective effect of folic acid (0.4 mg per day) when taken by women early in pregnancy. It is important to note that spina bifida occurs by the fourth week of pregnancy before many women will be aware of a pregnancy, thus it is generally recommended that women of child-bearing age take a folic acid supplement (most multivitamins contain 0.4mg folic acid) if they are sexually active. Genetic counseling and further genetic testing, such as amniocentesis, may be offered during the pregnancy as some neural tube defects are associated with genetic disorders such as trisomy 18.

Answer 5

Spina bifida (Latin: "split spine") describes birth defects caused by an incomplete closure of one or more vertebral arches of the spine, resulting in malformations of the spinal cord. The spinal membranes and spinal cord may protrude through the absence of vertebral arches (called clefts). These malformations fall into three categories: spina bifida occulta, spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele), and meningocele.

Answer 6

It is spina bifida. not spinal difia. but anyway this is when the spine is exposed when the baby is being formed in the uterus. meaning the skin did not completely close up around the spine when the baby is in the uterus. there are procedures to correct this. talk to your doctor . good luck

Answer 7

It is called Spina Bifida. It means that his spine has not fully developed and he may not ever walk.

Some family friends have a child with SB, and he is lovely and very smart. While he does have exceptional needs, he is quite a an exceptional child. He can walk, with effort, but is mostly confined to a wheelchair.

http://www.sbaa.org/site/c.gpILKXOEJqG/b.2016945/k.2321/Spina_Bifida_Association_Web_site.htm

Answer 8

I know of two people...(both males).. that were born with this defect....They are both now in their 30's and doing fine....One is confined to a wheel chair, and the other one uses crutches.....They both lead good, healthy, normal lives...They are shorter than most people, but they have wonderful out looks on life and do just about anything anyone else does.....Your grandson will be okay....God bless you and your family!

Answer 9

i believe its a hole in the spine.persons with this condition cannot walk .i suffered with severe backache my doctor told me i had a slight spinal difia.after months of therapy ,i am much better.but i still get terrible pain in my lower back and down my left leg. i am sorry to hear your grandson has this problem,he will be in my prayers this evening.keep your chin up .i`m cheering you on ,as you are a caring grandparent..from mikhal in israel.

Answer 10

If you mean spinal bifida look it up on google image