What is Spina Bifida?

 

 Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation Exercises | Neurological Rehabilitation  | Musculoskeletal Complications | Paralysis | Hip Dislocation | Club Foot

 

Spina Bifida or The Neural Tube Defect

• The term bifida has been derived from the Latin “Bifidus” which simply means left in 2 parts.
• This is also known as Neural Tube defect because of its presence in the spinal column/tube.
• In this this condition the vertebral arch of the vertebral column of children is usually not formed or sometimes incomplete leading to discontinuity of the column.
• It is a Neurological condition, medically known as “Myelodysplasia”
• The lesions or discontinuity can be found any where in the spine but is commonly noted in the lumbar and sacral regions.
• The general presentations of the defect range from stillbirth to incidental radiographic findings.
• It is a treatable spinal cord malformation.

What are the different types of Spina Bifida or The Neural Tube Defects?

The variations or types of spina bifida depend upon the degrees of severity

• Spina Bifida Occulta – In this type of defect the neurological deficiets are generally absent
• Meningocele – Under this type the dura and arachnoid protrudes forming a cystic swelling in the spine.
• Meningomyelocele – Extension of the cord tissue into the meningocele, falls under this type.
• Myeloschisis – Exposure of the spinal cord on the surface of the back.

What are the complications of Spina Bifida?

The complications of Spina Bifida are-

• Reproductive organ impairment
• Neurogenic bladder
• Neurogenic bowel
• Musculoskeletal Complications
• Vulnerable child syndrome
• Pressure sores
• Latex allergy
• Learning disability
• Wound infection
• Hydrocephalus
• Vision impairment
• Chiari compression
• Chronic headache
• Shunt failure
• Low IQ
• Obesity

Can Physiotherapy treat Spina Bifida?

• According to various published researches and studies it has been found that Physiotherapy can be used to reduce the complications of Spina Bifida, a multidisciplinary approach can be followed for a better recovery rate and successful treatment planning.
• The musculoskeletal complications can be managed to a certain extent using Neuro-Rehab by DNPR.
• The Neurological Rehabilitation team available at DNPR has been treating and helping children with Spina BIfida.
• Immediately after birth, the child be assessed for complications and clinical symptoms, after which a rehabilitation plan is customized, which should be reviews and goals must be set accordingly.
• Physiotherapy can be useful for treating.
• Lower limb paralysis (Flaccidity or Spasticity)
• Urinary Incontinence.
• Bowel bladder dysfunction.
• Hydrocephalus
• Poor Trunk Control
• Scoliosis
• Hip Dislocation
• Contractures
• Club Foot
• Muscle Atrophy
• Developmental Milestones
• Range of motion
• Muscle strength
• Muscle Tone
• Deformities

How to plan an efficient Physiotherapy Treatment for Spina Bifida?

Efficient physiotherapy treatment for Spina Bifida includes-

• Correction or prevention of deformity
• Parent education
• Motor Control Monitoring
• Encourage and initiate independency
• Initiate mobility
• Improve muscular strength
• Dedicated exercises for posture correction
• Manage range of motion
• Improve patient participation
• Balance and trunk control exercises
• Assistive devices like orthosis