Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a condition that is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and or the meninges. The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown. Spina bifida begins in the womb, it can happen any where along the spine. when the tissues that fold to close to form the neural tube are not able to close or stay closed completely. This causes a opening in the vertebrae which surrounds to protect the spinal cord. This occurs form 21 to 28 days after conception before the women knows that she is pregnant. There are three types of Spina bifida. The first is Occulta which means hidden, it is the mildest form of Spina bifida, the spinal cord and the nerves are usually normal, the defect is unnoticed. It is rare that you get symptoms or complications. Spina bifida is usually not found until childhood or an adult it is by accident through magnetic resonance imaging or x-ray. The rare but severe forms known as Spina bifida Manifesta is separated into two classes The first type of Spina bifida is Meningocele, this is a membrane that surrounds the spinal cord, cerebral spinal fluid (csf) leaks out of the spinal canal causing a swollen area over the baby's spine. The most severe of Spina bifida is Myelomeningocele is a sac of fluid that comes through an opening in the baby's back. The nerves are pushed out of the spine against the skine. The nerves are often damaged or even destroyed.