Best Spina Bifida Doctors in Indore

Spina bifida is a congenital malformation that occurs when the spine and spinal cord fail to develop properly during early pregnancy. This condition arises due to the incomplete closure of the fetus's neural tube within the initial month of gestation. The exact cause remains uncertain, but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible. Risk factors include low levels of folate or folic acid, certain medications, conditions like diabetes and obesity, and elevated body temperatures in early pregnancy. Additionally, a family history of spina bifida suggests a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Apollo Hospitals in Indore have some of the best surgeons treating Spina Bifida who are highly skilled in performing surgical interventions to treat this condition. The team of specialists treating Spina Bifida offers comprehensive care to patients, focusing on boosting their quality of life while managing the condition effectively.

Types/Stages of Spina Bifida

The classification of spina bifida can be categorised into three main types:

• Myelomeningocele: This severe and common form features a sac-like protrusion on the infant's back containing damaged spinal cord and nerves.

• Meningocele: This involves a fluid-filled sac protruding from the spine, with the spinal cord remaining intact. It generally leads to fewer neurological issues compared to myelomeningocele.

• Spina Bifida Occulta: This is the mildest and most common type, characterised by a small gap in the spine without exposed nerves.

Symptoms of Spina Bifida

Common symptoms of spina bifida include:

• Weakness or paralysis in legs, affecting mobility and movement

• Urinary and bowel incontinence

• Loss of skin sensation in the lower extremities

• Hydrocephalus (build-up of fluid in the brain)

• Cognitive problems

• Coordination issues

• Seizures

• Physical deformities such as spine curvature

Tests to Diagnose Spina Bifida

The doctors specialising in spina bifida treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Indore, use an array of testing methods for diagnosing spina bifida, including:

• Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screen: This blood test measures levels of AFP during 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. Abnormally elevated AFP levels indicate spina bifida.

• Ultrasound: This imaging scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the developing foetus. It accurately identifies spina bifida, especially when conducted during the second trimester.

• Amniocentesis: This involves testing a sample of amniotic fluid from around the foetus for high AFP levels, which can confirm the presence of spina bifida.

• Fetal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This imaging technique provides detailed images of the fetus and can further evaluate spinal abnormalities if ultrasound results are inconclusive.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Spina Bifida at Apollo Hospitals, Indore

The Best Doctors specialising in Spina Bifida Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Indore, offer a wide range of treatment options and surgical interventions for patients with the condition:

• Surgery: Infants with spina bifida require immediate surgery to repair the exposed spinal cord and close the spine defect, aiming to reduce infection risk and prevent further spinal cord damage.

• Myelomeningocele closure: Immediately after birth infants undergo surgery to carefully close the exposed spinal cord, shielding it with layers of tissue and skin, and to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

• Shunting for hydrocephalus and syringomyelia: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting surgically manages hydrocephalus by redirecting excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles to the abdominal cavity and can also address syringomyelia by alleviating spinal cord fluid buildup in certain cases.

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Physical therapy for spina bifida is customised to target motor impairments and functional limitations, focusing on improving muscle strength, mobility, balance, and coordination to enhance daily independence and quality of life.