What is the most serious type of spina bifida?

When people talk about spina bifida, most often they are referring to myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged.

What is the difference between spina bifida and spina bifida occulta?

Spina bifida is a condition present at birth (a congenital birth defect) caused by your spine forming incorrectly during fetal development. The word “occulta” means “hidden.” Spina bifida occulta is also known as hidden spina bifida because a small layer of skin covers the opening of your spinal vertebrae.

What do spina bifida babies look like?

Spina bifida is a type of birth defect called a neural tube defect. It can cause part of the spinal cord and areas around it to form outside of the body. Symptoms can include an area on the back that looks abnormal. This may be a small hairy patch, dimple, or birthmark, or a pouch-like bulge (sac).

Is spina bifida occulta serious?

In most cases, spina bifida occulta causes no problems. The general term spina bifida describes several conditions that all arise from a defect in an embryo’s developing spine. Many people are familiar with the most severe type of spina bifida, sometimes called “open” spina bifida.

Can babies with spina bifida move their legs?

In children with spina bifida, the nerves in the spinal canal are often damaged or improperly formed, and therefore they may not able to control the muscles properly or sometimes feel properly. Some children may be paralyzed, not able to move their legs at all, while others can stand and walk to some extent.

Can a baby born with spina bifida live a normal life?

Because of today’s medicine, about 90% of babies born with Spina Bifida now live to be adults, about 80% have normal intelligence and about 75% play sports and do other fun activities.”

What is spina bifida occulta s1?

Spina bifida occulta is when a baby’s backbone (spine) does not fully form during pregnancy. The baby is born with a small gap in the bones of the spine. The condition is common and happens in about 1 out of 10 people. Usually, it causes no health problems.