Symptoms
Spina bifida occurs in three different forms, varying in severity.
Spina bifida occulta The mildest form of the three causes a small space in one or more of the vertebrae of the spine. Most cases of spina bifida occulta have no signs or symptoms and show no neurological problems. Some visible symptoms may be seen on newborn's skin above the spinal defect, including:
Those who have spina bifida occulta most likely do not even know it. The condition is very mild and is typically only discovered during an X-ray or other imaging test performed for unrelated reasons. Meningocele This is the most rare form, but not the most severe. In this form, the protective membranes around the spinal cord push out through the opening in the vertebrae. The spinal cord will develop normally allowing the membranes to be removed by surgery with little or no neurological damage. Myelomeningocele Also known as open spina bifida, it is the most severe form and typically what is thought of when people hear the term "spina bifida." In cases of myelomeningocele, the baby's spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae allowing a sac to form from the memranes and spinal cord protruding on the baby's back. It is likely that the tissues and nerves in this sac are exposed making the baby prone to life-threatening infections. Neurological complications are common in this form of spina bifida and include:
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