Spina bifida is a congenital anomaly. The pathology is due to the fact that in the process of fetal development did not happen the closure of certain vertebrae.
In the crack fell the spinal cord together with the membranes.
In most cases, spina bifida is formed in the lower spinal segments. This condition is considered to be one of the most dangerous pathologies.
General data
The severity of the disease depends, what size are vulnerable nervous tissue.
Today the pathological tumor in a child can be discovered during pregnancy of the mother. The presence of a hernia can be established by ultrasonic scanning.
Unfortunately, not in time discovered spina bifida can cause of disability of an adult. The patient, being unable to move my legs, is experiencing difficulties associated with health and can’t do without help. In some cases, pathology causes shells to brain inflammation.
Form of pathology
Modern doctors have identified the following forms of the disease:
- Myelomeningocele.
- Lipomeningocele.
- Meningocele.
Myelomeningocele
The content of this spina bifida are the “ingredients” of the nervous tissue. Spina bifida is characterized by impaired neurological in nature and is accompanied by pathological changes in the CNS.
This form of spina bifida are accompanied by such abnormalities of the feet, as:
- arthropathy;
- dislocation;
- clubfoot;
- abnormal number of toes.
Meningocele
The hernial SAC in this case exclude the presence of elements of the spinal cord. In most cases, spina bifida is a cosmetic defect. Given the correctness of the formed spinal cord, neurologic abnormalities do not occur with meningocele.
Lipomeningocele
This is the most rare pathology. The hernial SAC contains the tumor is benign in nature, formed from the adipose tissue.
Types of pathology
Also there are two types of spina bifida:
- Hidden.
- Inguinal hernia treatment.
Hidden cleavage
With this type of pathology observed damage to the structure of only one vertebra. The characteristic symptoms are absent, and the presence of a disease tells only a small indentation in the problematic area.
Hernial splitting
This type pozvonochnikom splitting is characterized by the presence of significant bone defects. In severe disease, markedly characteristic protrusion, and the patient is experiencing a serious problem during physical activity.
Symptoms
Spina bifida is characterized by the occurrence of the following symptoms:
- Incorrect position of the legs and the presence of specific defects.
- Signs of hydrocephalus.
- Leg paralysis (complete or partial), suggesting the loss of sensation.
- Pain during defecation and urination.
- Incontinence of feces and urine.
Diagnosis
If the patient assumes that he has a hernia, he must as soon as possible visit an experienced doctor.
After detailed survey and careful examination of the patient, the doctor prescribes passage:
- Contrast myelography (appointed to estimate the degree of spinal cord).
- Magnetic resonance therapy.
- Computed tomography (allows to determine the location and contents of the hernia).
- Transillumination (allows you to define the contents of the hernia).
After a precise diagnosis is assigned to the appropriate treatment.
Medical assistance
Unfortunately, spina bifida in most cases, involves partial surgical treatment.
Surgery
The operation is carried out only by experienced doctors qualifications. Prior to surgery, the doctor carefully assesses hernial SAC. tissue, incapable of life, is eliminated, and the defect is removed by restoring the vertebral canal.
Auxiliary therapy
Treatment of helper methods includes:
- Physiotherapy.
- Vitamin therapy.
- Treatment with potent drugs (nootropics or neirotropnami).
- Physiotherapy (treatment is made by means of magnetic therapy or laser therapy), which promotes improvement of a feed foot (soft tissue).
Unfortunately, the treatment methods of adjuvant therapy can not completely get rid of the dangerous disease. But with proper care, the patient’s condition becomes much easier.
Spina bifida in newborns is the timely treatment of comorbidities. This should happen right after eliminating the hernia.
Rehabilitation
Patients with pronounced symptoms of paresis of the legs need long rehabilitation process.
Treatment includes:
- massage;
- gymnastic exercises;
- physiotherapy.
It is important to pay attention to the timely development of the child’s reflection on urination and defecation.
Prevention
Unfortunately, often the hernia causing severe consequences to eliminate that in the present circumstances is not possible. The chances of the baby to survive are reduced, if the pathology is extensive.
Thanks to ultrasound, the hernia becomes clearly visible in the photo is the twentieth week of gestation. In some cases, mothers offered to terminate a pregnancy.
According to experts in the field of medicine, to avoid the tragedy, you can, if in advance of pregnancy under the supervision of experienced doctors to take folic acid.
Conclusion
A favorable prognosis depends not only on the timeliness of the measures taken, but also from forms of pathology, as well as its localization.
The patient, who suffers from spina bifida, must adhere to a special diet that involves eating foods with a high content of fiber. Constant medical supervision is strictly required.
