CDC. “Spina Bifida Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Aug. 2018, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/spinabifida/facts.html. Accessed 30 Sept. 2019.

“Spina Bifida - Google Search.” Google.Com, 2018, www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/01dn_8&gl=US&hl=en-US&kgs=f32a71388438ebbd&q=Spina+bifida&shndl=6&source=sh/x/kp/health_search&entrypoint=sh/x/kp/health_search. Accessed 30 Sept. 2019.

“Spina Bifida Treatment, Causes, Symptoms & Life Expectancy.” EMedicineHealth, 2018, www.emedicinehealth.com/spina_bifida/article_em.htm. Accessed 30 Sept. 2019.

“Spina Bifida Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.” Nih.Gov, 2013, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Spina-Bifida-Fact-Sheet. Accessed 30 Sept. 2019.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Facts About Spina Bifida | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.” Chop.Edu, 19 Oct. 2016, www.chop.edu/health-resources/facts-about-spina-bifida-infographic. Accessed 30 Sept. 2019.

What is Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida is a birth defect in which a developing baby's spinal cord fails to develop properly 



Spina Bifida can look differently on everyone depending on the type they have...

Myelomeningocele: the most serious type of spina bifida, affects how the person goes to the bathroom, loss of feeling in the person’s legs or feet, and not being able to move the legs

Meningocele: not as severe as myelomeningocele, can cause minor disabilities

Spina Bifida Occulta: most people require no treatment at all

Visual Examples of all 3 types:

Spinal Cord

More on Myelomeningocele

About 1 to 5 children in every 1,000 born in the United States have myelomeningocele. The condition develops during the 3rd week of pregnancy. Doctors do not know exactly what causes it either.

Extra information on Meningocele

Meningoceles are considered to be neural tube defects. It is the least common type of Spina Bifida. Like the other types, they are usually diagnosed before the birth, shown through ultrasounds and

other technologies.

More facts about Spina Bifida Occulta

Spina Bifida Occulta is a malformation of one or more vertebrae. It is sometimes called "closed" Spina Bifida. In most cases, this type causes no problems.

Treatment for all 3 types of Spina Bifida

Myelomeningocele: requires complex and often lifelong treatment and assistance

Meningocele: typically requires surgery for cyst and has minor disabilities

Spina Bifida Occulta: most people require no treatment

What happens if it is left untreated?

Cerebrospinal fluid may build up in the brain, leading to a condition called hydrocephalus, which is common in children with myelomeningocele. If left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause brain damage, blindness, or seizures

Are there ways to prevent Spina Bifida?

Although there is no complete cure for Spina Bifida, there are ways to help prevent it during pregnancy. Some of the methods are to avoid overheating your body (like a hot tub or a sauna) or treating a fever right away

Other Facts about Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the U.S., affecting 1,500 children each year

No one really knows how it happens, scientists believe its genetics + the environment

Spina Bifida can affect a child's ability to walk on their own, go to the bathroom on their own, or even learn in school

The outcome of the disorder depends on the time of diagnosis, the size and location, and the accumulation of fluid in the brain (aka hydrocephalus)