Spina bifida

• Spina bifida is term used to identify a set of conditions that affect the development of the spinal cord and vertebrae. • The three main types of spina bifida are myelomeningocele, lipomeningocele and spina bifida occulta. • Spina bifida is often diagnosed in utero before a baby is born. • Children with spina bifida are often cared for by a variety of medical professionals, including a neurologist, orthopaedist and physical therapist, among others. • Treatment may include surgery, bracing, physical therapy and other forms of medical care based on each child’s needs. Spina bifida is a group of congenital conditions involving the failure of normal development of the spinal cord and vertebrae. There are three main types of spina bifida, the most severe being myelomeningocele and the most mild being spina bifida occulta. Spina bifida will often result in varying degrees of weakness to the legs. This muscle imbalance can then lead to the development of musculoskeletal problems, such as hip dislocation, joint contractures and Types of Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele This is the most common defect of the developing brain and spinal cord, called the neural tube. This birth defect develops by the third week of fetal gestation. Myelomeningocele is a fluid-filled area formed by the lining of the spinal cord and a web of spinal nerves. A child born with myelomeningocele presents with a fluid-filled sac to the back. There is most often a defect in the skin as well, with no skin coverin...

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Spina bifida occulta, or hidden spina bifida, is a mild form of spina bifida caused by a gap forming between the vertebrae in your spinal cord. This gap happens during fetal development in the uterus. Spina bifida occulta rarely causes symptoms, and most people diagnosed with the condition don’t know they have it. Overview Spina bifida occulta causes a gap to form between the small bones (vertebrae) of your child’s backbone (spine). What is spina bifida occulta? Spina bifida occulta is a condition where a gap forms between the small bones (vertebrae) of your backbone (spine). Spina bifida occulta is mild and is the most common type of spina bifida. The word “occulta” means “hidden.” Spina bifida occulta is also known as hidden spina bifida because a small layer of skin covers the opening of your spinal vertebrae. Who does spina bifida occulta affect? Spina bifida occulta can affect anyone. Some people are at a higher risk of having a child with spina bifida occulta if: • A parent has a lack of folic acid (vitamin B9) during pregnancy. Folic acid is a vitamin (B9) found in leafy vegetables, beans, whole grains and several other foods. • You have a history of spina bifida in your family (genetic). • Parents who become pregnant have conditions like • Your baby has a genetic condition like • A parent is taking antiseizure medicines like valproate or If you plan on becoming pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about the medicines you currently take or if you want to learn...