What is spina bifida?
What is spina bifida? Spina bifida is a birth defect that mainly affects the spine. Normally in the first month of pregnancy, a special set of cells forms the “neural tube.” The top of the tube becomes the brain and the remainder becomes the spinal cord and structures around it.
What is myelomeningocele (spina bifida)?
Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged.
How can parents learn more about spina bifida?
Learning about Spina Bifida 1 Parents should talk with a health care provider about any questions or concerns they have. 2 Parents can start learning about spina bifida by reading CDC’s Basics and Health Issues… 3 The Spina Bifida Association provides information on spina bifida, and can be helpful in recommending…
What is spina bifida occulta and meningocele?
With meningocele a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. But, the spinal cord is not in this sac. There is usually little or no nerve damage. This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest type of spina bifida. It is sometimes called “hidden” spina bifida.
Does spina bifida occulta cause any disabilities?
The spinal cord and the nerves usually are normal. Many times, spina bifida occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood. This type of spina bifida usually does not cause any disabilities.
What happens to the neural tube in spina bifida?
The top of the tube becomes the brain and the remainder becomes the spinal cord and structures around it. In spina bifida, the neural tube doesn’t close all the way and some of the bones of the spine don’t close in the back.
What are the long term effects of spina bifida?
This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Spina bifida might cause physical and intellectual disabilities that range from mild to severe. The severity depends on: