Best Spina Bifida Doctors in Mysore

Spina bifida is a congenital condition characterised by incomplete development of the neural tube, which fails to close properly. It is usually apparent at birth and can range from mild to severe, with the most severe forms causing significant nerve damage and disability. While the precise cause remains unknown, it is believed to be due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some risk factors that may contribute to the development of spina bifida include low folate levels during pregnancy, genetic predispositions, certain medications like Depakote taken during pregnancy, poorly managed diabetes, obesity during pregnancy, and exposure to high temperatures early in pregnancy.

With the cases of spinal bifida rising in Mysore, it is crucial to have access to the best doctors for spina bifida for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The spina bifida specialists in Apollo Hospitals, Mysore, emphasise that early treatment, including surgery, can help manage the condition and improve patients' quality of life.

Types/Stages of Spina Bifida

There are three main types of spina bifida:

• Myelomeningocele: This is a severe form of spina bifida that involves a fluid-filled sac protruding from the baby's back, containing parts of the spinal cord and nerves. Myelomeningocele causes significant physical disabilities.

• Meningocele: This form involves a fluid-filled sac outside an opening in the baby's back but without any part of the spinal cord. Meningocele causes minor disabilities due to limited nerve damage.

• Spina Bifida Occulta: This is the mildest form and involves a gap in the vertebrae. However, the meninges and spinal cord are contained within the spinal column. People with spina bifida occulta often have no symptoms.

Symptoms of Spina Bifida

The symptoms of spina bifida can range from mild to severe. These include:

• Weakness or paralysis in the legs

• Urinary incontinence

• Bowel incontinence

• Reduced or absent skin sensations

• Buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain

• Difficulty with visual and physical coordination

• Cognitive problems

Tests to Diagnose Spina Bifida

At Apollo Hospitals, Mysore, the best doctors for spina bifida treatment conduct a range of tests to diagnose the condition:

• Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Screen: This blood test measures the level of AFP in a mother's blood. High levels may suggest spina bifida.

• Ultrasound Scans: This scan creates images of the developing baby in the womb and can diagnose birth defects like spina bifida.

• Amniocentesis: This test tests a sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus for protein levels that may indicate spina bifida.

• X-rays and MRI Scans: These imaging techniques offer a detailed view of the baby's spine and assess the severity of spinal cord damage caused by spina bifida.

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

The spina bifida surgeons at Apollo Hospitals in Mysore offer a range of treatment options:

• Myelomeningocele Closure Surgery: Performed within 24-48 hours after birth, this surgical procedure closes the opening in the baby's back.

• Shunting for Hydrocephalus: This surgical procedure drains excess fluid from the brain.

• Tethered Spinal Cord Release: This separates the spinal cord from surrounding tissue, enabling the child to improve their normal level of functioning.