Spina Bififda
Were you looking for information about Spina Bifida? Spina bififda is a common misspelling of spina bifida.
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings. This condition occurs when a fetus's spine fails to close properly during its first month of development. It is the most common neural tube defect in the United States, affecting 1,500 to 2,000 babies each year.
In most cases, people with the mildest type of the disease have no outward symptoms. In people with more severe cases, symptoms can include significant nerve damage, missing vertebrae, physical difficulties, and paralysis.
The exact cause of spina bifida is not known. However, research scientists suspect that there may be a genetic cause. It is possible that environmental and nutritional factors may also play a role in the condition's development.
(Click Spina Bifida to learn more about this condition and its causes, symptoms, and prognosis. You can also click on any of the links in the box to the right for more specific information.)