Definition

Spina bifida is a type of birth defect. This type is called a neural tube defect. In spina bifida, a baby's spine does not close completely during early pregnancy. It can begin to develop in a fetus before the mother even knows she is pregnant. In some cases, structures that should be in the spinal canal can slip out. The structures affected involved may include:

• Membranes that surrounds the spinal cord
• Nerve roots that connect nerves to the spinal cord
• Spinal cord
• Vertebra (back bones) may be deformed

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There are three kinds of spina bifida:

This is the least severe form and can have:

• No symptoms
• Small defect in one or more vertebrae
• Spinal cord and nerves are normal
• Usually no complications