Adult height is known to be limited in those with spina bifida.

The word Makemake is Polynesian in origin and is the name of the creator of humanity and the god of fertility in the mythology of the South Pacific island of Rapa Nui or the Easter Island.

The mildest form of spina bifida (closed spina bifida, or spina bifida occulta) involves a malformation in the bones of the spine only. It does not involve the coverings or the tissue of the spinal cord. It is very rare for this form to cause symptoms, especially if the defect does not extend beyond one bone.

Acquired cerebellar lesions are associated with motor speech deficits. Spina bifida with hydrocephalus (SBH) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves significant dysmorphology of the cerebellum.

Consequences of Untreated Tethered Cord Patients with untreated tethered cord will continue to experience their current symptoms, and their motor and sensory function may worsen. Particularly in children, lengthening of the spine with growth can lead to paraplegia and loss of bowel and bladder function.

Children with spina bifida can develop sores, calluses, blisters, and burns on their feet, ankles, and hips. However, they might not know when these develop because they might not be able to feel certain parts of their body. In addition, toddlers might not know how to tell their parents about issues with their skin.

Most children with Spina Bifida (SB) should be eligible for special education within the public education system. Eligibility is determined by evidence that there is a disabling condition that adversely affects the education of the student in the regular education classroom.

Symptoms of spina bifida

• weakness or total paralysis of the legs.
• bowel incontinence and urinary incontinence.
• loss of skin sensation in the legs and around the bottom – the child is unable to feel hot or cold, which can lead to accidental injury.

Approximately 90 per cent of cases of spina bifida are detected with an ultrasound scan before 18 weeks of pregnancy. Other tests used to diagnose spina bifida are maternal blood tests which measure alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Ultrasound generally has a high detection rate for spina bifida and may show dorsal ossification centers / lateral pedicles as being splayed apart (which can give a V-shaped appearance to the posterior elements).

An ultrasound can detect fluid at the back of a fetus’s neck, which sometimes indicates Down syndrome. The ultrasound test is called measurement of nuchal translucency.

Spina bifida is best prevented by taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Studies have shown that if all women who could become pregnant were to take a multivitamin with the B-vitamin folic acid, the risk of neural tube defects could be reduced by up to 70%.

April 17, 2003 — Taking folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy may not only help prevent neural tube defects in babies, but it may also reduce the risk of Down syndrome.

Women who have Spina Bifida, a child with SB, or had a pregnancy affected by SB should take 4000 mcg (4.0 mg) of folic acid for one to three months before pregnancy. This amount of folic acid is available only through prescription, so high-risk women must carefully plan their pregnancies.

Commit to Healthy Choices to Help Prevent Birth Defects

1. Plan ahead. Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
2. Avoid harmful substances. Avoid alcohol at any time during pregnancy.
3. Choose a healthy lifestyle. Keep diabetes under control.
4. Talk with your healthcare provider.