Before birth, if a blood test or amniocentesis finds a high level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), there is a higher risk of spina bifida. Ultrasound examination may also detect the problem. Medical imaging can confirm the diagnosis after birth. Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect related to but distinct from other types such as anencephaly and encephalocele.Most cases of spina bifida can be prevented if the mother gets enough folate before and during pregnancy. Adding folic acid to flour has been found to be effective for most women. Open spina bifida can be surgically closed before or after birth. A shunt may be needed in those with hydrocephalus, and a tethered spinal cord may be surgically repaired. Devices to help with movement such as crutches or wheelchairs may be useful. Urinary catheterization may also be needed.Rates of other types of spina bifida vary significantly by country, from 0.1 to 5 per 1,000 births. On average, in developed countries, including the United States, it occurs in about 0.4 per 1,000 births. In India, it affects about 1.9 per 1,000 births. Europeans are at higher risk compared to Africans. Types
Spina bifida occulta
Occulta is Latin for hidden. This is the mildest form of spina bifida. In occulta, the outer part of some of the vertebrae is not completely closed. The splits in the vertebrae are so small that the spinal cord does not protrude.
A study comprehensively assessing the prevalence of placental pathology in a large cohort of fetuses with isolated neural tube defects found that these fetuses had higher risk of placental pathology and altered offspring growth outcomes at birth compared to controls, suggesting increased risk of placental maldevelopment that may contribute to poor fetal growth in pregnancies with neural tube defects. See also
Meningohydroencephalocoele
Rachischisis
Congenital dermal sinus

References
External links
Spina bifida at Curlie
CDC: Spina bifida