What is spina bifida?

Spina Bifida: Spina bifida is a birth defect where the spine does not close around the spinal cord during development. This may be as small as a small gap between the 2 sides, with no buldging out of membranes or nerves, & no associated handicaps, to a large defect with part of the cord exposed outside the body, leading to paralysis and other neurological problems. Folic acid decreases the risk.

Spina bifida: Is a congenital malformation of the vertebra, at any level, though usually the lumbar, which lays the spinal cord open to the air. It usually leads to paralysis of the lower limbs, bladder and bowel and a strong chance of meningitis.