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What is Spina Bifida?

Are you asking: What is Spina Bifida??

Spina Bifida is a neural tube birth defect that occurs within the first month of conception when the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn’t form and close as it should.  This can often lead to damage to the spinal cord and nerves which may cause physical and intellectual disabilities that range from mild to severe.  the severity of spina bifida depends on several things: 

  • location of the opening
  • size of the opening
  • are spinal cords exposed or covered

Spina Bifida occurs in approximately 1 out of every 2000 live births ever year in the US.

There are 3 types of Spina Bifida: 

  • Myelomeningocele (sounds like: my-low-ma-nin-jo-seal) ~ This is the most serious type of spina bifida, and it is where the sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back and spinal cords and nerves are in the sac and are damaged. This type of spina bifida can cause moderate to severe disabilities, ie. bathroom problems & paralysis in the lower extremities. 
  • Meningocele (sounds like: ma-nin-jo-seal) ~ This type is where the sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back but the spinal cord is not in the sac.  This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities, but usually little or no nerve damage.
  • Spina Bifida Occulta (sounds like: o-cult-tuh) ~ This is the mildest form of spina bifida, and is sometimes referred to as “hidden” spina bifida. This is where there is a small gap in the spine instead of a hole or sac on the back.  There’s usually no spinal cord or nerve damage, and this type normally doesn’t cause any disabilities.

It is still unclear as to what causes spina bifida, but this is included in the early pregnancy blood screenings.  When detected early, there is a chance for intrauterine fetal surgery to close the spine and protect the spinal cord and nerves.  This will also take pressure and fluid off of the brain.  The baby can also have surgery to close the hole after birth.  

Spina Bifida is referred to as the “snowflake” condition because no two people are affected the same way…every person is affected by it differently and have their own journey and experiences.