Diagnosis
In the midest cases such as Spina bifida Occulta this is sometimes never detected unless a scan of the lower back is performed due to other reasons in later life. However Spina bifida is usually detected prenatally, in the womb.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound scan can be used to detect whether there are any malformations of the spine. It is carried out at 8-14 weeks and many women are offered 2 or more. The process involves high frequency sound waves aimed at the womb using a transducer. The waves create an image inside the body by converting the reflected echoes into an image.
Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (MSAFP)
A maternal serum alpha fetoprotein screen measures the amount of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the mothers blood stream. AFP is produced by the foetus’s liver and can cross the placenta into the mother’s blood. High levels of AFP present can indicate neural tube defects such as Spina bifida but not specifically. If a high level is present additional tests may be carried out such as an amniocentesis. This involves removing fluid around the amniotic sac and testing for levels of AFP, if again high levels are found this indicates Spina bifida however cannot tell to what degree.
Postnatal
If Spina bifida is not detected prenatally; postnatal tests can be carried out. A routine X- ray may be performed of the back to get a better look at the vertebrae. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computer Topography (CT) can also show the spine in more detail. As hydrocephalus is commonly found with sufferers of Spina bifida this is also tested for with a CT scan to visualise the extra fluid that may be around the brain.
Article image - Foetal ultrasound is used to detect spina bifida courtesy of Wkik Commons: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baby_in_ultrasound.jpg?uselang=en-gb