Spina bifida is a developmental birth defect that occurs when the brain, spinal cord or meninges do not fully develop. Each year, between 1,500 to 2,000 newborns in the United States are born with spina bifida, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The types of spina bifida include occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Signs of spina bifida vary depending on the type.
Dimple, Pigmented Area, or Tuft of Hair on Back
Babies with the occulta form, the most common form of spina bifida, typically have no outward signs of the disorder. One or more vertebrae do not form correctly, but the spinal cord and meninges do not stick out. A dimple, pigmented area, or tuft of hair may occur on the skin over the spinal defect.
Bulge on Back
In the meningocele form, a bulge protrudes through the incompletely developed vertebrae of the spinal cord and can be seen on the back. The bulge contains the meninges and is filled with fluid. A thin layer of skin usually covers the bulge.
Protrusion Through Spine
Babies with the myelomeningocele form of spina bifida have a fluid-filled bulge similar to those with the meningocele type. However, in the myelomeningocele form, the bulge penetrates through an opening of the spinal cord. In many cases, the spinal cord has not developed properly. Sometimes the spine does not close during development, leaving the spinal cord exposed. When this occurs, the baby may die from infection or the inability to perform vital bodily functions. Babies with the meningocele form of spina bifida are prone to infections and often have difficulties with movement, feeling bodily sensations, and bladder control. There is usually some paralysis and loss of sensation in the body parts below the level of the spinal cord malformation. Therefore, the higher the level of the defect, more body parts are susceptible to paralysis and loss of sensation. Sometimes intense pain occurs in the lower back and legs and behind the knee.
Hydrocephalus
According to the Spina Bifida Association, Between 70 to 90 percent of individuals with the myelomeningocele form of spina bifida develop hydrocephalus, or excess fluid in and around the brain. Hydrocephalus forms when the cerebellum, a part of the brain in the lower back part of the head, is dislocated to the upper neck. The displacement of the cerebellum may interfere with the usual flow of cerebrospinal fluid, a clear fluid that surrounds the brain. Pressure and swelling in the skull result from the build up of fluid. A child may have an enlarged head and brain damage if hydrocephalus is not treated.
