Treatment and Management of Spina Bifida in Siliguri
Spina bifida is a malformation of the spine. This defect is congenital and is due to the presence of an opening in the spinal column. The defect develops during the fetal development of the baby and may cause permanent physical and mental disabilities in the infant.
The defect can be classified based on the severity of the condition. In its severest form, called myelomeningocele, surgical intervention may be necessary. Presently, spina bifida treatment in Siliguri is available under the expert care of Dr. Manish Madhav the well known neonatologist and pediatric surgeon in Siliguri.
The condition has three common subtypes:
- Occulta :This is the most benign form of the defect. The opening in the spinal column is very small in this case and it cannot usually be detected by observation or by a physical examination. The spinal cord and the nerves remain normal and there are seldom any symptoms. However, in some rare cases, complications may arise in the form of bladder dysfunction, back pain, sciatica, scoliosis, etc.
- Meningocele: In this case, the bones around the spinal cord do not close. As a result of this, a fluid-filled sac is formed. In most cases, the spinal cord and the nerves remain intact and surgery may not be required. However, it may cause some of the symptoms mentioned above.
- Myelomeningocele: This is the severest form of spina bifida. In this case, a part of the spinal cord protrudes through the back. In some cases, skin cover may be absent, and the underlying nerves remain exposed to the environment. Symptoms may vary from mild to moderate bowel and bladder dysfunction to complete paralysis of the lower body. Surgical treatments may be required to manage myelomeningocele.
Studies have shown that spina bifida is a preventable condition. The risk of the baby developing this condition may be drastically reduced by consuming about 400mg of folic acid every day before childbirth. The use of surgical interventions before conception is also considered a way to treat this condition.
A large number of children with spina bifida may develop hydrocephalus which is the buildup of excess fluids in the brain. This condition has to be monitored and managed regularly by experts for better outcomes.
Many children with spina bifida, including those with advanced hydrocephalus, progress to lead healthy, productive, and complication-free lives. Therefore, if you are seeking help for this condition, contact Dr.Manish Madhav for the best care for spina bifida treatment in Siliguri.
Dr. Madhav's insight and expertise will help you achieve the best outcomes for managing spina bifida.
