Spina bifida is a type of congenital neural tube abnormality that occurs from a malformation of the spine and spinal cord. This is because the neural tube of a developing fetus eventually develops in the brain, as well as the spinal cord and surrounding tissues of the baby.
The neural tube forms normally early in pregnancy and closes on the 28th day after fertilization. However, the children who suffer from spina bifida, part of the neural tube does not close or grow properly, causing abnormalities in the spinal cord and bones of the spine.

- Fetus
- Children
- Healing of the incision
- Infection
- Hydrocephalus
- Chiari malformation
- Derivation
- 97%
Spina Bifida treatment in Turkey : Cost & Clinics
Spina bifida can be mild or severe; it depends on the type of defect, its size, position, and complications. Sometimes the early treatment of spina bifida requires surgery in Turkey. However, this surgical treatment does not always solve the problem.
Turquie Santé offers you spina bifida treatment in Istanbul Turkey in the best clinics and at an advantageous cost.
Types of Spina Bifida
Spina bifida comes in different forms: occult spina bifida, aperta, myelomeningocele, or very rare meningocele.
Occult spina bifida
It is one of the mildest and most common illnesses. Spina bifida occulta causes small fractures or gaps in one or more of the bones in the spine (vertebrae). Many patients who are affected by spina bifida occulta do not know. They discover this malformation during an imaging test performed for other causes unrelated to the pathology.
Myelomeningocele: open neural tube
Also known as open spina bifida, it is the most serious type of disease whereby the spinal canal is opened through many vertebrae in the lower area or the middle area of the back. In which the medullary canal is open all along many vertebrae in the lower area or the middle area of the back. At birth, the spinal membrane and nerves emerge from this opening, forming a sac over the baby's back, usually exposing tissues and nerves. This makes the child more susceptible to life-threatening infections and can also lead to paralysis and dysfunction of the bladder and bowels.
Spina bifida aperta
Spina bifida aperta is an axial sweep of the spine which highlights the "non-closure of the neural tube" by the defect in the formation of the vertebral arch (blades of the vertebral arch and the spinous process),of the distal dorsal and lumbar vertebrae. This alteration frozen is linked to the absence of the meninges, which makes the direct contact of the neural plate and the amniotic fluid.
Symptoms of the disease
The signs and symptoms of spina bifida vary depending on its type and severity, and also vary from person to person.
Occult spina bifida
There are usually no signs or symptoms; Because the spinal nerves are not affected. However, you may notice visible symptoms on a baby's skin above a defect in the spine, as well as an abnormal tuft of hair, a small dimple, or a birthmark. Sometimes traces on the skin may reveal an underlying defect of the spinal cord, which can be detected by an MRI or ultrasound of the spine of neonatal children.
When to visit the doctor?
Usually, myelomeningocele is diagnosed just before or after birth, when medical care is available. These children must follow a team of specialized doctors throughout their lives and families must be made aware of the various complications to watch out for.
Children with spina bifida occulta do not have any symptoms or complications. So generally only routine child care will be needed.
The reasons for neural tube defects
Doctors have not been able to identify the exact causes of spina bifida. Spina bifida can be caused by a combination of nutritional, genetic, and environmental risk parameters.
Spina bifida causes
Spina bifida is more common in whites and those of Spanish descent. Women are more afflicted with it than men. Even the causes of spina bifida remain undetectable by researchers and specialists, they were able to identify several risk factors :
- Folate deficiency
It is the natural form of vitamin B 9. It is essential for the healthy progression of a baby. The synthetic form of folate that exists in supplements and fortified foods is called folic acid. Folate deficiency increases the possibility of spina bifida and other neural tube abnormalities.
- Family history of a neural tube defect
Couples who have had a child with a neural tube anomaly are slightly more likely to have another child with the same birth defect. This risk increases if they have had two children with the same birth defect. Also, a woman born with a congenital neural tube anomaly is more likely to give birth to a child with spina bifida. However, in most children with spina bifida, their parents have no family history of the disease.
- Some drugs
In this regard, anti-epileptic drugs, such as Depakene (valproic acid),can cause neural tube abnormalities when taken during pregnancy because it interferes with the body’s ability to use folic acid and folate.
- Diabetes
The risk of having a baby with spina bifida is increased especially for women with diabetes who do not have good blood sugar control.
- Obesity
Women who suffer from obesity before pregnancy represent an increased risk of having a baby with congenital neural tube abnormalities, including spina bifida.
- Increased body temperature
A high body temperature in the first few weeks of pregnancy may raise the incidence of spina bifida, according to some data. An increase in your internal body temperature, due to a fever or using saunas or hot tubs, is associated with an increased risk of spina bifida.
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