Spina bifida is a type of birth defect. It is a problem with how
the spine and spinal cord develops. Spina bifida can begin to
develop in a fetus before the mother even knows she is pregnant.
In some cases, structures that should be inside the spinal canal
can slip out. The structures affected may include: - Membranes
that surround the spinal cord - Nerve roots that connect nerves
to the spinal cord - Spinal cord - Vertebra (back bones)—may be
deformed |Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.| There are
three kinds of spina bifida: - Occulta—small defect in one or
more backbones, least severe form, usually no complications -
Meningocele—membranes poke through an open part of the spine and
can form a cysts Myelomeningocele—most severe form of spina
bifida, membranes poke through and contain nerve roots or spinal
cord and can lead to Paralysis and incontinence of may
occur—frequently not cured by surgery - Hydrocephalus—a build up
of fluids in the brain that increase pressure on the brain The
cause of spina bif