Personalized treatments for people with back pain and spine
disorders Published: Sept. 29, 2010 Updated: Nov. 17, 2010
Spinal dysraphism is a general term used to identify
developmental spinal cord abnormalities. The most common form is
known as spina bifida or “split spine.” Spinal dysraphism is
caused by a malformation of the bones or skin of the spinal
column during fetal development. This creates a gap where the
spinal cord and membrane may protrude outside the back of the
body in severe cases. The direct cause of this defect is not
known, but folate deficiency and genetics are thought to play a
role. Some forms of spinal dysraphism have no symptoms at all.
Other forms have serious neurological symptoms such as loss of
bowel and bladder control and paralysis. Since these spinal cord
abnormalities are developed in utero, they can be diagnosed
prenatally. An amniocentesis is often the first step in
diagnosing the defect. If an abnormal result is found, an
ultrasound is done to confirm the diagnosis. After b