Spina Biffida

Were you looking for information about Spina Bifida? Spina biffida 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.

The three most common types of spina bifida are myelomeningocele, meningocele, and spina bifida occulta. It is the most common neural tube defect in the United States, affecting 1,500 to 2,000 babies each year. One of the best ways to prevent the condition is to consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid each day.

(To read the full eMedTV article, click Spina Bifida. This article contains detailed information on how the condition occurs and how it is typically treated. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for more information.)