10 myths of spina bifida

1 Spina bifida is a birth defect(Dahianara Moran).

True. Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect. It happens when the spine does not form properly and thus affects the formation of the spinal cord and in many cases the nerves.
2 All cases of spina bifida are equal.
False. The implications and consequences depend on the size and location of the defect and whether the spinal cord and nerves have been exposed to amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
There are three types of spina bifida. One is myelomeningocele, which is the most severe type of spina bifida. In this case a bag of liquid containing the spinal cord and nerves out through an opening in the baby's back, causing damage to them.
Another is meningocele. In this case the sac of fluid flows through a opening in the baby's back, but nerves are not in this bag. This means that there is little or no damage to the nerves and thus less affectations.
The third is hidden. It is the least severe case of spina bifida. lack of closure of the spine occurs, but not the sack in the previous cases protrudes from the baby's back is formed. In these cases the effects are usually very few or no.
3 All persons born with spina bifida do not walk.
False. Depending on the location of the defect they will be affected nerves that allow a person to walk. 80% of people with spina bifida does not walk. However, with the help of physical therapy, there are cases of children who were not supposed to walk and they get it.
4 There is no way to prevent spina bifida.
False. Taking folic acid at least three months before pregnancy reduces the risk of having a baby with spina bifida by 70%. Spina bifida occurs in the first 27 days of management when in many cases the woman still does not know she is pregnant. That is why every woman of childbearing age should take a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid and continue for at least during the first trimester of pregnancy.
5 Folic acid is found only in supplement form.
False. There are foods that contain this vitamin, such as green leafy vegetables(Spina Bifida), broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus, beans and lentils, the latter being the most contain it.
6 There is no way to diagnose spina bifida before birth.
False. There are three ways to detect spina bifida. One is a blood test called screening, which is done between weeks 9 and 13 and week 20, which measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein which rises in cases where the baby has this defect.
Ultrasound is another method where you can see the defect, allowing the doctor a clearer picture of the skull, spine and other organs in order to detect the presence or absence of a neural tube defect.
Amniocentesis (sampling of amniotic fluid) can also measure the level of alpha-fetoprotein.
7 There is no cure for spina bifida.
True. Spina bifida is no cure, but if it is diagnosed early can give more monitoring during pregnancy and schedule delivery via caesarean section (a natural birth is not recommended to prevent further damage to the defect area) and surgery enclosure so that all the necessary specialists are present, as appropriate. There are surgeries closure of the defect Intrauterine are considered in severe cases.
8 is optional closing operation of spina bifida at birth.
False. The closure of the defect must be performed within the first 48 hours of life, as the sac that protrudes from the back of the baby is not covered by skin and can give a perforation of the membrane, exposing the spinal cord and nerves. This would cause severe complications.
9 motor problems are the only consequences of spina bifida.
False. Other sequelae include hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, memory and concentration difficulties(Spina Bifida Support), abnormal urinary and bowel control, latex allergy, among others. These are not known at the time of birth but which may arise throughout the patient's life.
10 operation corrects enclosure birth spina bifida.
False. This operation is done to cover the bone or nerves are exposed, but does not eliminate the consequences.