Case study 51 | Spina Bifida | Presented by Dr. Betsy Grunch

Case study 51: Spina Bifida Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way. When the neural tube doesn’t close all the way, the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn’t form and close as it should. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Spina bifida might cause physical and intellectual disabilities that range from mild to severe. The severity depends on: • The size and location of the opening in the spine. • Whether part of the spinal cord and nerves are affected. Spina bifida happens in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant. Although folic acid is not a guarantee that a woman will have a healthy pregnancy, taking folic acid can help reduce a woman’s risk of having a pregnancy affected by spina bifida. Because half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, it is important that all women who can become pregnant take 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Watch more case studies with Dr. Grunch! Case study 50 -    • Case study 50 | Can a neurosurgeon help in...   #neurosurgery #casestudy #ladyspinedoc #healthcareworker #hospital #surgery #neurosurgeon #medicalschool #medstudent #medicalstudent #nursing #pastudent #paschool #nursingschool #learnonreels #newborn #pregnancy #obgyn #birthdefect #spinabifida #neuraltubedefect