Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is the most frequently occurring, permanently disabling birth defect. ... Spina bifida, SB, is a neural tube defect disorder in which there is an incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and their protective coverings. Spina bifida is one of the most devastating of all birth defects and unfortunately, the most common neural tube defect. ... In Latin, spina bifida means split spine. spina bifida can often be diagnosed on the basis of a high resolution ultrasound. An elevation of the maternal alpha fetal proteins levels can also be an indication of spina bifida. Infants born with spina bifida can have an open lesion on their spine where there has been significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord. ... Spina bifida results in various degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs. Infants with spina bifida usually have some type of mental disability also. ... Occulta is the least serious type of spina bifida. ... Infants born with spina bifida occulta may not have any physical or mental problems. ... The most common type of spina bifida is myelomeningocele. ... Another problem that is common in children with spina bifida is Chiari malformation. ... All children born with spina bifida have some degree of type II malformation, but even though it is present on a radiograph, the malformation may not be causing the child any symptoms.