Spina Bifida

Types

A baby's spinal cord forms a few weeks after conception. The spinal cord arises from a baby's neural tube — the structure that eventually develops into the baby's brain, spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them. Spina bifida is often referred to as a neural tube disorder.

Spina bifida occurs in three forms, each varying in severity:

Spina Bifida Occulta

Also known as closed neural tube defect, this is the mildest form of the condition. It results in a small separation of the spinal bones. The condition can occur in any vertebra but is most common at the base of the back or lower spine. Because the spinal nerves are not involved, most children with this form of spina bifida have no symptoms and no neurologic problems.

Myelomeningocele

Also known as open spina bifida, myelomeningocele is the most severe form. The baby's spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back. Because of this opening, the spinal cord and membranes protrude at birth, forming a sac on the baby's back. In some cases, skin covers the sac. But in other cases, tissues and nerves are exposed, making the baby prone to life-threatening infections. Partial or complete paralysis commonly occurs in parts of the body below the sac.

Meningocele

This is the rarest form of spina bifida. In meningocele, the protective covering around the spinal cord (meninges) pushes out through the opening in the vertebrae. Because the spinal cord develops normally, the sac can be repaired with little damage to nearby nerves.