Spina Free -

There is no cure, but interventions improve quality of life.

Spina bifida is classified into several types based on the severity of the defect and whether the spinal cord is exposed: There is no cure, but interventions improve quality of life

: The most severe form. A sac containing part of the spinal cord and nerves protrudes through an opening in the baby's back, often leading to nerve damage and paralysis. Critical Management & Treatment Critical Management & Treatment One of the most

One of the most significant medical breakthroughs regarding spina bifida is the discovery of the role of folic acid. Research has definitively shown that if a woman takes the B-vitamin folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy, she can significantly reduce the risk of her baby developing the condition. Spina bifida happens when a fetus's spine doesn't

: A rarer type where a sac of fluid (meninges) pokes through an opening in the baby's back, but the spinal cord itself is not in the sac.

Spina bifida happens when a fetus's spine doesn't close completely during embryonic development. There are different types that ra... Cleveland Clinic Show all Spina Bifida Occulta: The mildest "hidden" form. Often marked by a small dimple, birthmark, or tuft of hair on the back. Most people never know they have it. Meningocele: A rare type where a fluid-filled sac pushes through an opening in the back. The spinal cord itself is usually not in the sac, meaning nerve damage is typically minimal. Myelomeningocele: The most severe form. The spinal cord and nerves protrude through the opening, often leading to paralysis, bowel dysfunction, and mobility issues. Key Statistics & Care Prevention: Taking

Spina bifida (Latin for “split spine”) is a neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs during the first month of pregnancy when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. It is a congenital condition where the bony arches of the vertebrae fail to close completely, potentially exposing the spinal cord or meninges.