• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

SimplyHealth.Today

Health and Wellness Information

  • Natural Cures
  • Diet & Nutrition
  • Fitness
  • Conditions

16 Common Signs of Spina Bifida

Search for Articles Here >>

Spina bifida is a congenital birth defect that occurs when there is a problem with the neural tube during gestation. With this defect, the spinal cord is left exposed due to the failure of proper vertebral column formation. There are mild forms and severe forms of spina bifida which are separated into four classes.

Infants who suffer from this neural tube defect may experience delays with their physical development. Though spina bifida does not affect intelligence, those who suffer from the defect may have their intellectual development hampered due to the ailment.

The four types of spina bifida are; closed neural tube defects, myelomeningocele, occult, and meningocele. In some forms, the defects have very few noticeable signs while in other forms the signs are readily apparent. There are treatments available to help improve the quality of life of those suffering from spina bifida, but there is no cure.

The eight most common signs of spina bifida are detailed below.

1. High serum alpha-fetoprotein levels

Some instances of spina bifida do not present with any visible signs. If a woman is pregnant and she or her doctor suspects a neural tube defect there are tests that can confirm abnormalities. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels naturally increase during pregnancy however the levels are extremely high when there is a neural tube defect present.

A medical professional will run a triple screen that includes an MSAFP, or AFP test, a testing of the amniotic fluid and ultrasound for visual confirmation. If the first screening comes back with high levels of AFP, it is a sign that the fetus has a congenital defect.

The next step towards confirming the diagnosis is to have an ultrasound of the fetal spine. This test is highly accurate when severe spina bifida exists. If the defect is less serious or can’t be seen during the ultrasound, testing of amniotic fluid is a reliable way to check for signs that indicate abnormalities.

Next »

We Recommend

14 Common Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive Dyskinesia is a condition that develops as a side effect of antipsychotic drugs. Not … [Read More...] about 14 Common Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia

15 Common Causes of Femur Fracture

A femur fracture is a break, crush, or crack in the thigh area. It can also be called a hip … [Read More...] about 15 Common Causes of Femur Fracture

14 Tricks to Easily Quit Sugar

When it comes to quitting sugar, it can be really difficult to do. Most people depend upon sugar in … [Read More...] about 14 Tricks to Easily Quit Sugar

14 Signs & Symptoms of Coxsackie Virus

Understanding what the symptoms of the Coxsackie virus are and how it can be treated as an important … [Read More...] about 14 Signs & Symptoms of Coxsackie Virus

Primary Sidebar

14 Common Causes of Low Potassium Levels

A person who has low potassium levels might be diagnosed with hypokalemia. Potassium is an important … [Read More...] about 14 Common Causes of Low Potassium Levels

15 Signs that you have contracted Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea… the butt of sex jokes, oftentimes… actually has quite scary consequences.  And, … [Read More...] about 15 Signs that you have contracted Gonorrhea

14 Signs of Rotator Cuff Tear

Your rotator cuff is a set of four tendons and muscles that are around the shoulder joint. They keep … [Read More...] about 14 Signs of Rotator Cuff Tear

21 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are very small seeds that come from the mint family. While they look fairly innocuous and … [Read More...] about 21 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

14 Probable Symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome

Polio used to be one of the most feared diseases in the world, and it’s estimated that as many as … [Read More...] about 14 Probable Symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome

You May Also Like

9 Strange Causes of Bell’s Palsy

The seventh cranial nerve runs through a narrow gap of bone from the brain to the face. The nerve is … [Read More...] about 9 Strange Causes of Bell’s Palsy

14 Causes of Toxoplasmosis

A rather nasty infection, caused by a parasite with a single cell called Toxoplasma gondii, … [Read More...] about 14 Causes of Toxoplasmosis

14 Common Signs of Posterior Tibial Neuralgia

Posterior tibial neuralgia, which is also known as tarsal tunnel syndrome, is a troubling … [Read More...] about 14 Common Signs of Posterior Tibial Neuralgia

Disclaimer

This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.

  • Search
  • About Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Cookie Declaration
  • Push Notification

Copyright © 2021 · All Rights Reserved