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Spina bifida is a condition of the spine, usually apparent at birth, and a type of neural tube defect. It happens when the neural tube doesn't form properly or close all the way, so the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn't form and close either — often damaging the spinal cord and nerves. It can occur anywhere along the spine, and ranges from mild to severe.
How common
In the United States, about 1,278 babies a year are born with spina bifida — 1 in every 2,857 births. Hispanic women have the highest rate of having a child with it:
| Mother | Pregnancies affected per 10,000 live births |
|---|---|
| Hispanic | 3.80 |
| Non-Hispanic white | 3.09 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 2.73 |
The three main types
The three most common types of spina bifida: occulta (left), meningocele (middle) and myelomeningocele (right). CDC
| Type | What happens | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Myelomeningocele ("my-low-ma-nin-jo-seal") — the most serious, and usually what people mean by spina bifida | a sac of fluid pushes through an opening in the back, containing part of the spinal cord and nerves, which are damaged | moderate to severe disabilities, such as being unable to move the legs |
| Meningocele ("ma-nin-jo-seal") | a sac of fluid pushes through, but without the spinal cord | little or no nerve damage; minor disabilities |
| Spina bifida occulta ("o-cult-tuh") — the mildest, sometimes called "hidden" | a small gap in the spine, with no opening or sac; spinal cord and nerves usually normal | usually no disability; often not found until late childhood or adulthood — or ever |
Risk factors
Not all the causes are known, and the roles of genes and environment need more study. Research points to factors that may raise the chance:
- not getting enough folic acid every day
- certain medications
- poorly controlled diabetes
- overheating or fever
Finding it
- During pregnancy: screening tests check for spina bifida and other birth defects. A high level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), part of the "quad screen," may point to spina bifida, and it can often be seen on ultrasound.
- After birth: sometimes a hairy patch or a dimple on the back is noticed; an X-ray or other scan gives a clearer view of the spine.
More: diagnosis of birth defects.
Surgery before birth
Some scientists think damage to the legs, bladder and bowel may begin during pregnancy, so closing the opening before birth may reduce long-term disability. The landmark Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), of babies operated on before 26 weeks, found that it can:
- lower the risk of death in infancy from spina bifida
- reduce the need for a shunt by the end of the first year
- improve movement in childhood
It carries risks, including placental problems and infection. Deaths in the first year have ranged from 0% to 20% across reports, though most report 2%–6%.
Sources
Based on "About Spina Bifida," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain. The page's photograph was a stock image and is not reproduced.
Licens: CC0 1.0 (allmän egendom) · Bearbetat efter www.cdc.gov
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