Types of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a disorder that occurs in the first month of pregnancy when the fetus's spinal column fails to close properly. Spina bifida is a part of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects. Spina bifida is one of the more common birth defects in the United States. Fortunately, taking folate supplements in early pregnancy can prevent up to 75% of cases. There are three types of spina bifida that differ in severity.

Spina bifida occulta is the least severe form of the three types of spina bifida. In this form, there is incomplete closure of the back portion of the vertebra, or bones that make up the spinal column.
Spina bifida occulta is sometimes marked by a dimple or tuft of hair in the midline of the lower back. Although usually it doesn't cause symptoms, there can occasionally be a tethered cord.

Meningocele occurs when the protective covering of the spinal cord protrudes like a cyst out of an opening in the spine. There is normally no nerve damage but some children may have minor physical disabilities.

Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spinal bifida. Clinical manifestations are variable and range from only bladder and bowel problems in very low lesions to paraplegia in higher lesions. A common complication of even low lesions is scoliosis from unbalanced signals to the strap muscles in the back. It occurs when both the protective covering and the spinal cord protrude through an opening in the spine.
_{Sarwark JF. "Spina Bifida" Pediatric Clinics of North America1996 Oct;43(5):1151-8}