Signs and symptoms of spina bifida vary by type and severity, and also between individuals.  Spina bifida occulta. Typically, there aren't any signs or symptoms because the spinal nerves aren't involved. But you can sometimes see signs on the newborn's skin above the spinal problem, including a tuft of hair, a small dimple or a birthmark. Sometimes, these skin marks can be signs of an underlying spinal cord issue that can be discovered with MRI or spinal ultrasound in a newborn. Meningocele. This type may cause problems with bladder and bowel function. Myelomeningocele. In this severe type of spina bifida:  The spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back Both the membranes and the spinal cord or nerves protrude at birth, forming a sac Tissues and nerves usually are exposed, though sometimes skin covers the sac  
signs symptoms spina bifida vary type severity  individuals   spina bifida occulta  typically  aren't signs symptoms spinal nerves aren't involved  can see signs newborn's skin spinal problem  including tuft hair  small dimple birthmark  sometimes  skin marks can signs underlying spinal cord issue can discovered mri spinal ultrasound newborn  meningocele  type may cause problems bladder bowel function  myelomeningocele  severe type spina bifida:  spinal canal remains open vertebrae lower middle back membranes spinal cord nerves protrude birth  forming sac tissues nerves exposed  skin covers sac  
spina bifida