Shubhra Mukherjee, MD Spina Bifida (SB) is a condition that is
present at birth, and results from an abnormality in the
development of the neural tube, which forms the spinal cord.
Depending on the abnormality, there is weakness in the areas
that the damaged nerves control, such as sensory areas and
muscles to the abdomen, legs, and bowel and bladder . Most
people with spina bifida also have a shunt, to help drain the
cerebrospinal fluid out of the brain ventricles. Involvement may
be cervical (at the neck), or thoracic (chest), lumbar (low
back) or sacral (base of spine).