Spina Bifida

What it is

Spina bifida is a condition present at birth in which the spine and its coverings do not close completely during early development. It is the most common of a group of conditions called neural tube defects. It comes in a range of forms, and which form a child has makes a large difference to what it means for them.

The forms

There are three main types, from mildest to most involved:

• Spina bifida occulta — a small gap in the bone with no opening or sac; the cord and nerves are usually normal. It is common, often causes no symptoms, and is frequently found by chance.
• Meningocele — a sac of membranes and fluid, but the spinal cord and nerves are not in it, so nerve effects are usually mild.
• Myelomeningocele — the most serious type, in which the cord and nerves are part of the sac; this can affect movement, sensation, and bladder and bowel function.

How it is cared for

Care depends on the type and on each child’s needs. The mildest form often needs nothing more than reassurance. More involved forms are managed by a coordinated team — which may include surgery to close the defect (sometimes even before birth), and ongoing support for the spine, the nerves, bladder and bowel function, and development. The goal is to help each child reach their fullest potential.

The science — for the curious

Two points are worth holding onto. First, “spina bifida” covers a wide spectrum — from a harmless incidental finding to a condition needing lifelong team care — so the type matters enormously, and a precise diagnosis is the foundation of the plan. Second, on prevention: getting enough folic acid before and during early pregnancy substantially lowers the risk of these conditions, one of the clearest public-health successes in this area.

Learn more

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — About Spina Bifida: cdc.gov

MedlinePlus Genetics — Spina Bifida: medlineplus.gov

This handout is general education about a common condition and does not replace the personalized advice we discuss in clinic. If anything here does not match what we talked about, what we talked about wins — please ask me.