What, types and risk factors of Spina Bifida by ridz

I do not post the dermatome things yet..haha

What is spina bifida?
Spina bifida, also called myelodysplasia, is a condition in which there is abnormal development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves, and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. This neurological condition can cause a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body. The defect can occur anywhere along the spine.

Are There Different Types of Spina Bifida?
Yes. There are three forms:
1. Spina bifida Occulta
Spina Bifida occulta is often called hidden Spina Bifida. In this usually harmless form of Spina Bifida, the spinal cord and the nerves are usually normal and there is no opening on the back. There is a small defect or gap in a few of the small bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The underlying neural tube defect is completely covered with skin. Frequently, there are telltale signs on close examination of the back. There may be a defect in the vertebrae of spine bones, or the skin overlying the defect may be dimpled, thickened, pigmented or hairy. In some cases there may be a soft swelling overlying the spine, composed of fatty tissue (lipoma). Not frequently, the fatty tissue extends into the spinal canal, where it can expand and press on the spinal cord. Although there may be no motor or sensory impairments evident at birth, subtle, progressive neurologic deterioration often becomes evident in later childhood or adulthood.
In many instances, however, Spina Bifida occulta is so mild that there is no disturbance of spinal function at all. The arches of the vertebrae may be incomplete, but the spinal cord itself is normal. Spina Bifida occulta of this sort probably occurs in 3-5 percent of the population and is usually a chance finding that is of no clinical significance. People often don't even know they have it.
1. Meningocele
The protective coatings (meninges) come through the open part of the spine like a sac that is pushed out. Cerebrospinal fluid is in the sac and there is usually no nerve damage. Individuals may suffer minor disabilities. New problems can develop later in life.
1. Myelomeningocele @ Spina bifida cystica
This occurs when the meninges (protective covering of the spinal cord) and spinal nerves come through the open part of the spine. This is the most serious type of Spina Bifida, and it causes nerve damage and more severe disabilities. Hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, often occurs in 70-90 percent of children with myelomeningocele. This happens when the cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord, is unable to drain normally because of the spinal defect. Fluid collects in and around the brain, causing the head to become enlarged. Without treatment mental retardation may result. Hydrocephalus also occurs in children who do not have Spina Bifida.

Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Most risk factors for spina bifida are related to the mother's health. Risk factors include:
• maternal age (spina bifida is more commonly seen in teenage mothers)
• history of miscarriage
• birth order (first-born infants are at higher risk)
• socioeconomic status (Children born into lower socioeconomic families are at higher risk for developing spina bifida. It is thought that a poor diet, lacking essential vitamins and minerals, may be a contributing factor).
• Race. Spina bifida is more common among whites and Hispanics or Caucasian.
• Family history of neural tube defects. Couples who've had one child with a neural tube defect have a slightly higher chance of having another baby with the same defect. That risk increases if two previous children have been affected by the condition. In addition, a woman who was born with a neural tube defect, or who has a close relative with one, has a greater chance of giving birth to a child with spina bifida. However, most babies with spina bifida are born to parents with no known family history of the condition.
• Folate deficiency. Folate (vitamin B-9) is important to the healthy development of a fetus. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B-9. The synthetic form, found in supplements and fortified foods, is called folic acid. A folate deficiency increases the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
• Some medications. Anti-seizure medications, such as valproic acid (Depakene), seem to cause neural tube defects when taken during pregnancy, perhaps because they interfere with the body's ability to use folate and folic acid.
• Diabetes. Women with diabetes who don't control their blood sugar well have a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida.
• Obesity. Pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with an increased risk of neural tube birth defects, including spina bifida.
• Increased body temperature. Some evidence suggests that increased body temperature (hyperthermia) in the early months of pregnancy may increase the risk of spina bifida. Elevating your core body temperature by about 3 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit above normal — about 2 degrees Celsius — due to fever or the use of saunas, hot tubs or tanning beds, has been associated with increased risk of spina bifida.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/979902-overview
http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2700307/k.5A79/What_Is_Spina_Bifida.htm
http://www. http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/UVAHealth/peds_hrnewborn/spinbif.cfm
mayoclinic.com/health/spina-bifida/DS00417/DSECTION=risk-factors
http://www.doctorsofusc.com/condition/document/11542