About Spina Bifida

  Spina Bifida is a condition that affects the development of the spinal cord. This happens when the spinal cord does not develop fully and the back does not close before birth, or closes with a bulge, which stores undeveloped spinal cord nerves. There are three types of Spina Bifida, Myelomeningocele, Lipomeningocele, and Spina Bifida Occulta.

   Each of the three different types of Spina Bifida affects different levels of the spine, which has different effects on the development and motor skills.

  Myelomeningocele is the most common form of Spina Bifida. Myelomeningocele is when a fluid filled sack forms by the lining of the spinal cord and a web of spinal nerves, this sack that is present on the back at birth contains spinal nerves and roots. The bones of the spine also fail to develop and do not close around the spinal cord. This causes weakness and a difference in skin sensation; this is based on the level at which the spinal cord is affected. In Myelomeningocele, the lumbar spine is affected, which limits mobility from the waist down.

  Lipomenigocele is indicated by an overlying fatty tumor. The skin is intact over the spinal cord and vertebral anomaly. This form of Spina Bifida is indicated by muscle weakness and decreased sensation, which is relevant to the level in which the spinal cord is involved. In other words, the lower the defect on the spinal cord, the higher the level of the physical function. Lipomeningocele affects the sacrum and the coccyx, with changes of the muscles and bones of the legs, which causes atrophy in the muscles of the legs.

  The last form of Spina Bifida is, Spina Bifida Occulta. Spina Bifida Occulta is typically an incidental finding. This form of Spina Bifida rarely presents with any symptoms. There is a small midline defect, that is found on the lowest lumbar vertebra. This results in the spinal cord and contents not being affected, which results in no physical limitations. Muscle weakness or increased risk of developing progressive effects. A person with Spina Bifida Occulta can grow up never knowing that they have the defect.