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Spina bifida is a birth defect condition characterized by improper formation of the spine and spinal cord, known as a neural tube defect. During embryonic development, the neural tube, which eventually forms the baby's brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues, typically closes by the 28th day after conception. However, in cases of spina bifida, a section of the neural tube fails to fully close, affecting the spinal cord and spinal bones.
These include Spina bifida occulta and Spina bifida Aperta. Spina bifida Aperta is also known as Myelomeningocele. It is a severe form of spina bifida. As the severe form is progressive, it requires immediate repair to prevent further damage. In such a case, your doctor may advise fetal surgery.
The severity of spina bifida can vary, ranging from mild to significantly disabling. Symptoms are contingent upon the location and size of the spinal opening, as well as whether the spinal cord and nerves are impacted. Early treatment often involves surgery to address spina bifida, but regaining lost function isn't always achievable through surgery alone.
Preventing spina bifida and other neural tube defects is possible through various measures, primarily focusing on ensuring adequate intake of folic acid:
- Start Folic Acid Supplementation Early: Begin by taking folic acid supplements at least one month before planning to conceive and continue through the first trimester of pregnancy. A daily dose of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid is recommended for all individuals of childbearing age.
- Folic Acid-Rich Foods: By Incorporating foods rich in folate or fortified with folic acid into your diet. Examples include enriched bread, pasta, rice, and certain breakfast cereals. Natural sources of folate include beans, peas, citrus fruits and juices, egg yolks, cow's milk, avocados, and dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach.
- Plan Pregnancy Carefully: Adults who are planning pregnancy or could become pregnant should aim for a daily intake of 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid.
- Vitamin Supplements: Taking a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin containing folic acid is advisable to help meet the recommended intake levels and reduce the risk of spina bifida and other congenital conditions like cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain heart defects.
- Vitamin Supplements: By taking a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin containing folic acid is advisable to help meet the recommended intake levels and reduce the risk of spina bifida and other congenital conditions like cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain heart defects.
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IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele
milan, Italy
- Premier multi-speciality research hospital specialising in molecular medicine, gene therapy, and cardiovascular care.
- Part of Gruppo San Donato (GSD) and affiliated with Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele.
- Treats around 1.5 million patients annually, including many international visitors.
- Designated as a European Reference Centre (ERN GUARD-Heart) for complex heart conditions.
- Offers advanced services in cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, oncology, urology, gene therapy, plastic surgery, and diagnostic imaging.
- Equipped with state-of-the-art operating theatres, diagnostic labs, and 1,640 patient beds.
- Provides multilingual support, patient-focused care, and on-site pharmacies, labs, and cafeterias.
- Ranked among the World’s Best Specialised Hospitals (2025) for cardiology and cardiac surgery.
Casa di Cura La Madonnina
milan, Italy
- Casa di Cura La Madonnina is a renowned multidisciplinary private clinic in Milan, Italy. It provides premium healthcare services with a focus on advanced diagnostics, personalised care, and surgical excellence. The clinic offers state-of-the-art operating rooms, luxury patient rooms, and an exclusive patient experience for both Italian and international patients. It is recognised for its expertise in fields such as fertility and IVF, cardiology, plastic surgery, and digestive endoscopy.
- It integrates clinical excellence with a high standard of comfort and privacy, making it one of the most prestigious private healthcare institutions in Italy.
IRCCS Policlinico San Donato
milan, Italy
- Leading multi-speciality research hospital, specialising in cardiovascular care, established in 1969.
- Part of Gruppo San Donato (GSD) and affiliated with the University of Milan.
- Serves around 300,000 patients annually, including international patients.
- Recognised as a European Reference Centre (ERN GUARD-Heart) for congenital heart diseases.
- Offers advanced services in cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, diagnostic imaging, plastic surgery, and metabolic health.
- Equipped with 10 advanced operating theatres, hemodynamics & electrophysiology labs, and 430 patient beds.
- Multilingual support and patient-centred care, with on-site pharmacies, laboratories, and cafeterias.
- Ranked among the World’s Best Specialised Hospitals (2025) for cardiology and cardiac surgery.
IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi- Sant’Ambrogio
milan, Italy
- IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital – Sant’Ambrogio is a leading multidisciplinary hospital located in Milan, Italy. It is internationally renowned for its excellence in orthopaedics, cardiovascular care, and advanced minimally invasive surgery. The hospital features cutting-edge diagnostic technology and state-of-the-art surgical facilities. It is part of the San Donato Hospital Group, combining research, innovation, and high-quality patient care.
- Recognised since 2006 as an IRCCS for research in locomotor system diseases.
- It combines high‑quality clinical care with translational and basic research in orthopaedics, biomechanics, regenerative medicine, etc.
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