Spinabifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings. It is the most common neural tube defect in the United States, affecting 1,500 to 2,000 babies each year. The condition occurs when a fetus's spine fails to close properly during its first month of development.

 

In most cases, people with spina bifida occulta (the mildest form of the condition) have no outward symptoms. In the most severe cases, infants will be born with an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred. Although the spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs.