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Spina bifida, also known as "split spine," is a type of neural tube defect. It is a birth defect where a baby's spinal cord or its protective layers do not fully close or develop during early pregnancy, resulting in a portion of the spinal cord and its nerves being exposed.
This condition typically occurs within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before the expectant mother is even aware she is pregnant. Normally, during fetal development, the spinal cord is surrounded by protective layers such as a membrane, vertebral bones, muscle tissue, and skin. Spina bifida arises when one or more of these protective layers fail to develop or close properly along the spine, preventing a complete closure of the posterior part of the spinal column.
The defect can manifest at any level along the structures forming the baby's nervous system, from the head to the sacrum. While some forms are visibly apparent, closed (occult) forms may not be noticeable externally.
The severity of spina bifida varies widely. Mild cases often do not require treatment, whereas more severe types involve open lesions that can cause significant damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Although this opening can be surgically repaired, if the nerve damage is permanent, it can lead to lifelong disabilities.
What is Spina Bifida?
This condition typically occurs within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before the expectant mother is even aware she is pregnant. Normally, during fetal development, the spinal cord is surrounded by protective layers such as a membrane, vertebral bones, muscle tissue, and skin. Spina bifida arises when one or more of these protective layers fail to develop or close properly along the spine, preventing a complete closure of the posterior part of the spinal column.
The defect can manifest at any level along the structures forming the baby's nervous system, from the head to the sacrum. While some forms are visibly apparent, closed (occult) forms may not be noticeable externally.
The severity of spina bifida varies widely. Mild cases often do not require treatment, whereas more severe types involve open lesions that can cause significant damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Although this opening can be surgically repaired, if the nerve damage is permanent, it can lead to lifelong disabilities.