Spina [top] Jun 2026

: 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

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect. The neural tube is the embryonic structure that eventually develops into the baby's brain, spinal cord, and the tissues that enclose them. Ideally, this tube forms and closes by the 28th day after conception. In cases of spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube fails to develop or close properly, resulting in defects in the spinal cord and the bones of the spine. : Incidence varies by ethnicity; for instance, the

Despite these challenges, the prognosis for people with spina bifida has never been brighter. Children born today with the condition grow up to be accountants, athletes, artists, and parents. They are redefining what it means to be "disabled," proving that while the spine may be split, the spirit remains unbroken. Ideally, this tube forms and closes by the

Symptoms vary by type and location of the lesion: Children born today with the condition grow up

| 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 |

: 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.