Spina bifida is a disorder where the spine and spinal cord do not develop properly, often resulting in paralysis and other issues. It occurs due to failure of the spine to close during the first month of pregnancy, and may be related to folic acid deficiency. Spina bifida can range from mild vertebral malformations to more severe cases where the spinal cord and membranes protrude outside the body. It affects mobility and can also cause hydrocephalus, incontinence, cognitive problems, and other health issues. The incidence is about 1 in 2000 live births for the most severe type, and 1-2 per 1000 for all types of spina bifida.

1. Spina Bifida Thomas B. King, M. Ed. Hospital Education Program VCU Health Care System

2. Definition of Spina Bifida (SB) Spina Bifida is a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings

3. Other defined considerations Failure of the fetus’s spine to “close” properly during the first month of pregnancy May be surgically repaired shortly after birth, but the nerve damage is permanent Nerve damage results in varying degrees of paralysis to lower extremities National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

7. Causes Occurs in utero No known cause It is believed that folic acid deficiency plays a role

8. Levels of severity or types of SB Myelomeningocele – the severest form, the spinal cord and the protective covering protrude Meningocele – only the menignes protrude Occulta – mildest form in which one or more vertebrae are malformed

9. Associated difficulties Paraplegia Hydrocephalus Sexual dysfunction Skeletal deformities Bowel and bladder incontinence Cognitive impairmement

11. Incidence Myelomeningocele is relatively common and affects about 1 in 2000 live births The incidence of all SB is estimated to be around 1 -2 per 1000