﻿ Spina Bifida Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis,
Complications - MedicineNet  Spina Bifida (Neural Tube Defect)
Introduction to spina bifida   What is spina bifida?  Spina
bifida, which literally means "cleft spine," is characterized by
the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or
meninges (the protective covering around the brain and spinal
cord). It is the most common n eural tube defect in the United
States -- affecting 1,500 to 2,000 of the more than 4 million
babies born in the country each year. There are an estimated
166,000 individuals with spina bifida living in the United
States.  What are the different types of spina bifida?   Occulta
is the mildest and most common form in which one or more
vertebrae are malformed. The name "occulta," which means
"hidden," indicates that the malformation, or opening in the
spine, is covered by a layer of skin. This form of spina bifida
is present in 10 to 20 percent of the general population and
rarely causes disability or symptoms.   In the