Spina Bifida Cystica is the most severe type of congenital spinal abnormality. A spina Bifida that comes with meningeal cyst is what they call as Meningocele, a cyst that contains both spinal cord and meninges is what they call meningomyelocele and a spina bifida that has spinal cord only is what they call as myelocele.
Cystica as mentioned above is the most severe form of spina bifida and it can bring severe consequences for individuals who have it. Cystica is the underdeveloped spinal cord which has stick out through an opening in one of the vertebral bones. This underdeveloped spinal cord may not or may be sealed by a fluid filled sac around the spinal cord. Most of this abnormality occurs in the sacral or lumbar regions in the spine. Most of the time, the higher the defect occurs, the consequence are much worst.
People who are affected with spina bifida Cystica often suffer partial or complete paralysis from the point of defect and down. The injury in the spinal cord can be life threatening and permanent. Various complications can arise from Cystica which includes loss of bladder or bowel control, physical deformities, spinal infections, sexual dysfunction and many more.
The physical defect brought about by Cystica can be corrected surgically right after the infant is born so as to protect what functions that are left in the spinal cord and protect the child from further injury and risk.
Cystica is the most severe form of Spina Bifida and it is unfortunate since affected individuals may suffer decrease quality of life and may even expect reduce duration of life. It is even the cause of premature death. That is why in undeveloped countries, those who are born with Spina Bifida Cystica have little hope of surviving since this condition entails continuous medical care. Fortunately with continues research and studies , scientist have come up with methods of preventing spina bifida in fetus.
A new study which is done in the Institute of Child Health in the University College of London made a study with the vitamin Inositol. They say that daily intake of Inositol combined with folic acid can help in preventing spina bifida. It is already proven that around 75% of babies were spare from developing neural tube defects or spina bifida because of folic acid. It will be great if it will be completely prevented with the use of the vitamin Inositol and folic acid.