Spina bifida is classified into three main types:
: Incidence varies by ethnicity; for instance, the CDC reports that Hispanic women have the highest rates of children born with spina bifida in the U.S.. Health Impacts and Management
| Type | Description | Severity | |------|-------------|-----------| | | Small gap in the spine with no opening or sac; often no nerve damage. Skin dimple or tuft of hair may be present. | Mild; often asymptomatic | | Meningocele | Meninges (protective covering of spinal cord) protrude through the gap, forming a sac. Spinal cord remains intact. | Moderate; possible minor disability | | Myelomeningocele | Most severe form. Both meninges and spinal cord protrude; nerve damage is common. | Severe; paralysis, bladder/bowel dysfunction | Spina bifida is classified into three main types:
Decades ago, a diagnosis of myelomeningocele was often considered a tragedy with a grim prognosis. Today, that narrative has been rewritten by advances in neurosurgery and rehabilitation.
: The most common and mildest form. It involves a small gap in one or more vertebrae but the spinal cord and nerves are usually normal. It is often "hidden" under the skin and may only be marked by a dimple, hairy patch, or birthmark. | Mild; often asymptomatic | | Meningocele |
| Intervention | Purpose | |--------------|---------| | | Repair spinal defect in utero to reduce neurological damage | | Postnatal closure surgery | Within 24–48 hours after birth to prevent infection | | Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt | Treats hydrocephalus | | Bladder management | Catheterization, medications | | Physical/occupational therapy | Improve mobility and independence | | Orthopedic surgery | Correct bone deformities |
: A rarer type where a sac of fluid pokes through an opening in the back, but the spinal cord remains in place. Both meninges and spinal cord protrude; nerve damage
There is no cure, but interventions improve quality of life.