The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) marked International Spina Bifida Day by emphasizing the importance of prevention and comprehensive care for this condition, which affects the development of the central nervous system during early pregnancy.
Dr. Alejandro Suc, a neurologist at Hospital Modular, Unidad Periférica Zona Once, explained that spina bifida is a neural tube defect occurring before many women know they are pregnant. He stressed the need for timely prenatal care and prevention efforts.
Dr. Suc highlighted that folic acid taken before and during pregnancy is essential to prevent neural tube defects. He stated, “su uso adecuado reduce significativamente el riesgo de espina bífida,” which translates to "its proper use significantly reduces the risk of spina bifida." He encouraged women of childbearing age who are IGSS beneficiaries to seek counseling and regular checkups at medical units.
He also reminded expectant mothers about the importance of regular prenatal checkups, maintaining a balanced diet, managing maternal diseases such as diabetes, and avoiding self-medication or exposure to harmful substances.
Spina bifida can appear in three main forms: occulta (the mildest form, often without symptoms), meningocele (where membranes around the spinal cord protrude through an opening in the spine), and myelomeningocele (the most severe form with exposed spinal cord and nerves leading to neurological complications).
Prevention should begin before pregnancy. Dr. Suc recommended starting folic acid supplementation three months prior to conception. He noted that “la severidad dependerá del nivel de afectación y del tipo de lesión,” meaning "the severity will depend on the level of involvement and type of lesion," making early evaluation crucial.
IGSS provides comprehensive support from prenatal diagnosis through neurological assessment, using a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric neurology, pediatric surgery when needed, rehabilitation and physical therapy, as well as urology, orthopedics, and psychological care.
“The approach is multidisciplinary because these children require ongoing support to improve their mobility, neurological function, and quality of life,” said Dr. Suc.
On this occasion, IGSS invited women of childbearing age to visit health services for guidance and timely checkups. The institute emphasized that prevention and early intervention are key to reducing risks and improving outcomes for children with spina bifida.
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