During a fetus’ development in the womb, there is a group of cells called the neural tube that are responsible for forming the spinal cord and the brain. Typically, this should close during development and then be covered by the spine bone to protect the delicate spinal cord. Sometimes, however, it does not close all the way, causing the back bone to be incomplete.

Children with spina bifida may experience other symptoms such as apnea, in which the child can forget to breathe, along with other respiratory problems, incontinence in the bladder and bowels, paralysis in the lower extremities, developed curves in the spine, and talipes (or clubfoot) which results in malformed or underdeveloped feet. Another common side effect, and sometimes what alerts parents to the problem, is hair growth or a dimple (sacral dimple) around the site of the spinal cord opening. This site is called the occulta, meaning “hidden” as the skin covers the spinal opening.

There are three main types of spina bifida:

• Spina bifida occulta (SBO): This is both the most common and most mild form of spina bifida. Also known as “hidden spina bifida,” many people will not even be aware that they have it until they have an X-ray for other reasons because it often does not have symptoms.
• Meningocele: A sac of spinal fluid pushes through an opening in the back. This can have little to no symptoms, or create problems with continence in the bladder and bowels.
• Myelomeningocele: This is the most severe form of spina bifida, as there may be multiple locations in the spine that have openings with sacs of spinal fluid poking out. Unlike meningocele, these sacs of spinal fluid also contain part of the spinal cord and nerves, which are usually damaged.
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