What is spina bifida?

Spinal cord disorder: The spinal cord forms as an open tube that starts to close from the middle out to the two ends. The entire closure is done by about ten weeks. If the closure is not normal than a condition known as spina bifida occurs. Open spina bifida is when there is an opening in the spinal column to the skin. Closed spina bifida is when there is an opening in the spinal column but it has a thin cover.

Lack of closure: In the fetus the spine develops with two parts that come together. The spinal cord is a flat strip that folds up and closes. If these two parts do not fold up and close, they leave an opening in the spine with the spinal cord hanging loose. This appears as a sack usually at the base of the spine. The nerves to the legs, bowels and bladder are often involved. The sack needs to be closed.

Different forms: There are several types of spina bifida. All of them are the result of abnormal neural formation. Some types have some bone missing and other types have the neural sac exposed and others have the nerves exposed. Maintaining appropriate levels of folate (folic acid) prior to being pregnant is important as low levels have been correlated with higher incidence. Hope this helps.

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.