Home > Clinical Services > Clinical Conditions > Spina Bifida

About Spina Bifida

Spina bifida occurs when the spinal chord, surrounding nerves and / or spinal column fail to develop normally during the first month of pregnancy, resulting in an incomplete closure of the spinal column. Spina bifida occurs in one of every 1,000 births – the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the U.S. The condition can cause bowel and bladder complications and paralysis below the spinal defect.

With myelomeningocele, a sac containing an abnormally
formed spinal cord protrudes from a newborn's back.

Treatment

Most infants with spina bifida require neurosurgery within 24 to 48 hours of birth to protect any functioning nerve tissue around the spinal cord from injury and infection. Although spinal cord damage cannot be fixed, its symptoms and associated problems can be managed. People with spina bifida – particularly more severe forms – require lifelong treatment.

Types of Spina Bifida

There are many different types of spina bifida, each with varying degrees of severity. The three most common forms include:

Myelomeningocele

Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida and has the highest risk of associated problems. A sac containing an abnormally formed spinal cord protrudes from an opening in a baby’s back. The nerves at and below the defect are damaged, causing paralysis and bowel and bladder complications. Babies need surgery shortly after birth to repair the affected area of the back.

Meningocele

In meningocele, a baby is born with a sac protruding from an opening in the back. Unlike myelomeningocele, the sac doesn’t contain the spinal cord and fewer nerves are affected. Babies need surgery shortly after birth to repair the affected area of the back. Most babies with meningocele grow up with few complications.

Spina Bifida Occulta

In spina bifida occulta, the bones around a baby’s spinal cord fail to develop normally. The nerves of the spinal cord usually are normal, as is the skin on the back. Sometimes, however, there will be a dimple, hair patch or red discoloration on the skin at the point of the defect. Babies rarely need surgery shortly after birth to repair the defect.

Causes

The cause of spina bifida is unknown, though a combination of environmental and genetic factors is most likely involved.

Prevention

Folic acid can reduce the likelihood of a woman having a baby born with spina bifida. Because spina bifida occurs during the first 28 days of pregnancy – and because half of all pregnancies in are unplanned – women of childbearing age should consider taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.

Associated Problems

Depending on the severity and location of the spinal defect, people who have spina bifida can experience a wide range of medical complications. Children with

Latex allergies
Bladder, bowel and kidney problems
Eye problems
Fractures
Hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain)
Learning disorders
Seizures
Skin problems
Tethered spinal cord
Weight gain

Long Term Outlook

Medical and surgical advancements have made it possible for children with spina bifida to lead full and productive lives. Eighty percent have normal IQ scores, and approximately 75 percent participate in competitive sports and recreational activities.