Best Spina Bifida Doctors in Visakhapatnam
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Spina bifida is a congenital condition that affects the spine and spinal cord. It occurs due to the incomplete closure of the neural tube during foetal development, leading to varying degrees of severity from mild to severe. This condition is present at birth and can cause significant nerve damage and disability. While the exact cause of spina bifida is not fully understood, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include low folate levels during pregnancy, a family history of the condition, certain medications, poorly controlled diabetes, obesity, and exposure to high temperatures early in pregnancy.
The best doctors adept at treating spina bifida in Vizag provide comprehensive treatment for this complex condition. Apollo Hospitals in Vizag, led by some of India's finest surgeons specialising in treating spina bifida, ensures exceptional care for patients dealing with this condition.
Types/Stages of Spina Bifida
Spina bifida can be broadly categorised into three types:
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Myelomeningocele: This severe type involves a fluid-filled sac outside the opening in the baby's back, containing parts of the spinal cord and nerves. Individuals with this type often experience significant physical disabilities like incontinence and leg weakness.
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Meningocele: This type features a fluid-filled sac outside an opening in the baby's back but does not contain any part of the spinal cord. It causes only minor disabilities due to limited nerve damage.
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Spina Bifida Occulta: This mildest form, involves a gap in the vertebrae, with the meninges (protective covering of the spinal cord) and spinal cord contained within the spinal column.
Symptoms of Spina Bifida
The symptoms associated with spina bifida can vary widely depending on its type and severity:
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Weakness or paralysis in the legs
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Urinary and bowel incontinence
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Loss of skin sensation
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Hydrocephalus or buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
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Difficulty with visual and physical coordination
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Cognitive problems
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Orthopaedic issues such as abnormal curvature of the spine
Tests to Diagnose Spina Bifida
At Apollo Hospitals, Vizag, specialists in spina bifida use numerous diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of the condition:
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Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) Screen: This blood test conducted between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy, measures AFP levels in the mother's blood, indicating neural tube defects like spina bifida if elevated.
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Ultrasound: This scan helps in diagnosing birth defects in the baby's spine and brain, including spina bifida, especially during the second trimester.
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Amniocentesis: A sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus is removed and tested for protein levels that may indicate spina bifida. This is typically performed between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy.
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X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans: These provide clear images of the baby's spine and can help assess the severity of the condition.
Treatment or Surgery Options for Spina Bifida at Apollo Hospitals, Vizag
At Apollo Hospitals, Vizag, the best doctors specialising in spina bifida treatment offer the following treatment options:
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Myelomeningocele Closure: This surgery is performed immediately after birth to close the opening in the baby's back and cover the exposed spinal cord and nerves with muscle and skin.
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Shunting for Hydrocephalus: A shunt is often surgically implanted in children with myelomeningocele to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, relieving pressure.
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Tethered Spinal Cord Release: Surgery is performed to release the tethered spinal cord (where the spinal cord is abnormally attached to the surrounding tissue) in children with spina bifida, restoring normal spinal cord movement.
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