Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs during the development of a child before birth. It occurs when the brain, meninges (protective layer), or spinal cord fail to develop properly. The defect can appear anywhere along the spine and can be seen in an opening in the baby’s back at birth. In some cases, it may appear as a sack of fluid that has developed outside the body on the spine. The sack of fluid may or may not have the spinal cord inside.
Types of spina bifida
Spina bifida can be divided into three types; myelomeningocele, meningocele, and spina bifida occulta. The symptoms of spina bifida that you experience usually depend on the type. Let’s take a look at the types of spina bifida: