Spina bifida is a condition that develops in the womb before birth; it does not occur later in life. However, in some forms, such as spina bifida occulta (hidden spina bifida), symptoms may become apparent at a later age, leading to a diagnosis in adulthood. Regardless of when the diagnosis is made, the condition always originates during the prenatal period. Treatment for spina bifida occulta is generally easier and more successful than for the open types of spina bifida.