What is spina bifida?
"Spina Bifida" comes from 2 words "Spina" meaning spine, "bifida" meaning split or divided. Spina bifida is the term used to describe a birth defect resulting from abnormal fusion of the developing spinal tissues and even the brain.

How does spina bifida occur?
The cause is unclear. Though many factors including familial (hereditary), genetic and environmental factors – folic acid & zinc deficiencies, lead excess, high fever in mother in pregnancy, increased vitamin A intake, excessive potatoes, hormones during conception, parenteral smoking and insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus in mother have been proposed, no definite etiological factor has been gained rational explanation in the causation of the spina bifida. Amongst these etiological factors maternal folic acid deficiency is the most renowned fact, which many authors agree as a cause for spina bifida.

What are the types of spina bifida?

• Spina bifida occulta

Spina bifida occulta refers to a defect in the vertebra (spine bone). Usually the central nervous system is not involved. The neurological examination is normal. Most frequently the skin is normal over the vertebral defect however, associated dimples, sinuses, increased hair, fatty lump and hemangiomata (swelling consisting of blood vessels) may indicate the presence of spina bifida.

• Spina Bifida Aperta

Meningocele: Meningocele becomes evident at birth with observation of a cystic skin covered midline mass over the back. Half of one or more vertebrae are absent and the sac is composed of CSF (brain fluid), meninges (tissues covering the brain and the spinal cord) and skin. The reminder of the CNS is not involved and the prognosis for development is excellent. About 10% of the patients with spina bifida will have meningocele.



Myelomeningocele: Myelomeningocele is most severe form of spina bifida. The middle mass in addition to CSF and meninges contains the spinal cord. Most of them will develop hydrocephalus (increased CSF in the brain cavities). There is varying degree of weakness in lower limbs and problems in the bladder and the bowel movements. Bone and joint deformities are commonly present.