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Spina Bifida is a birth defect in which the bones in the spine do not form around the spine properly. About 1 in every 2,000 children is affected with spina bifida. It develops early on in a pregnancy, even before the woman may know she is pregnant.

There are two main types of spina bifida. Spina Bifida Occulta is the mildest and the most common form of this. It is hidden under the skin and usually doesn’t cause defects or any problems in the person. Spinda Bifida Manifesta is the most rare but most severe type of spina bifida. Its most often associated with nerve damage and can cause problems with walking. It can be separated into two classes: meningocele and myelomeningocele. In meningocele, fluid leaks from the spine which can cause swelling. In myelomeningocele, nerves can be damaged and even appear on the outside of a person’s skin from being pushed down.

Symptons can be a dimple (in the mildest cases) to uncontrolled bladder functions, uncoordinated walking, swelling over the vertebrae and even numbness.

There is no known certain cause of spina bifida but it is believed that environmental causes and genetics can be involved. It is more often in those who are of British ancestry and less often in those from African decent. If a woman has given birth to a child with spina bifida it is more than likely the next child will also have it. Other factors that can increase the risk of having a child with spina bifida are defeciency of folic acid in the mother during pregnancy, certain medications, excessive use of alcohol, diabetes, obesity, and exposure to high temperatures.

Spina bifida is diagnosed through a fetal ultrasound, an amniocentesis, or, after birth, x-rays and ct scans.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Surgery may have to be used in some cases while back braces, therapy, and other treatments may be available.