Spina Bifida
Make an AppointmentHow Is Spina Bifida Diagnosed?
Early and accurate diagnosis of spina bifida is essential for planning effective treatment and care. The condition can often be detected during pregnancy through prenatal screening, imaging studies, and sometimes diagnostic procedures.
These tests help healthcare professionals understand the severity of the condition, allowing for better preparation for interventions before or after birth.
Prenatal Screening Tests
Prenatal screening plays a key role in detecting spina bifida during pregnancy. Although no test is 100% accurate, positive results can guide further diagnostic steps. It is important to discuss the risks, benefits, and implications of these tests with your healthcare provider.
Ultrasound Examination
Ultrasound is the most reliable method for diagnosing spina bifida during pregnancy, typically performed during the second trimester (18–22 weeks). Advanced ultrasound imaging can detect signs such as an open spine or brain abnormalities, helping assess the severity of the condition.
Amniocentesis
If spina bifida is suspected, amniocentesis may be recommended to extract a small sample of amniotic fluid for testing. This procedure can rule out genetic disorders, but it carries a slight risk of pregnancy loss.
Treatment Options for Spina Bifida
Treatment for spina bifida varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. While mild forms such as spina bifida occulta may not require intervention, severe types, including myelomeningocele, demand specialised care.
Surgery Before Birth (Fetal Surgery)
Fetal surgery is an innovative treatment option performed before the 26th week of pregnancy. This procedure allows surgeons to repair the baby's spinal cord while still in the uterus, either via open surgery or minimally invasive techniques using a fetoscope.
Fetal surgery can reduce disability and improve mobility outcomes, while lowering the risk of hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain). However, it carries risks such as premature delivery and requires careful consultation with a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
Surgery After Birth
For infants born with myelomeningocele, surgery is typically performed within 72 hours to close the spinal opening. This early intervention reduces the risk of infection and prevents further spinal cord damage. Neurosurgeons may also insert a shunt to manage hydrocephalus during the procedure.
Managing Complications
Children with spina bifida often require ongoing care to address complications such as mobility challenges, bladder and bowel dysfunction, or hydrocephalus. Treatment options may include physical therapy, mobility aids, and specialised bladder management programs.
Ongoing Care and Support for Children with Spina Bifida
Children with spina bifida benefit from coordinated care involving multiple specialists, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, urologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and therapists. Regular follow-ups ensure that medical, developmental, and emotional needs are met.
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in managing the condition. Encouraging independence, providing emotional support, and facilitating access to educational resources can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.
Why Early Diagnosis and Treatment Matter
At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), we understand the importance of early diagnosis and personalised treatment for spina bifida. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options to provide comprehensive care for both mother and child.
If you have concerns about spina bifida or require expert guidance, consult with our experienced healthcare professionals today.With early diagnosis, timely treatment, and ongoing care, many children with spina bifida lead active and fulfilling lives. Support from healthcare professionals, family, and educators plays a key role in their development. With early diagnosis, timely treatment, and ongoing care, many children with spina bifida lead active and fulfilling lives. Support from healthcare professionals, family, and educators plays a key role in their development. With early diagnosis, timely treatment, and ongoing care, many children with spina bifida lead active and fulfilling lives. Support from healthcare professionals, family, and educators plays a key role in their development.