According to the Spina Bifids Association of America, “Spina bifida is the most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect. It affects approximately one out of every 1,000 newborns in the United States.” [126]

Spina bifida, the most common NTD, results when the lower end of the neural tube does not close. It is sometimes referred to as “open spine.”  

Approximately 85% of babies born with spina bifida survive, but often have disabilities or complications, such as:

• paralysis of the legs,
• loss of bowel and bladder control,
• hydrocephalus, and
• learning problems (e.g., difficulty paying attention, expressing language, grasping math, etc).

There are two types of spina bifida:

• Myelomeningocele 
• Meningocele

A sac composed of meninges, spinal fluid, spinal cord, and spinal nerves protrudes through the bone defect in the spine.  Varying degrees of paralysis, loss of bowel and bladder control, and learning problems occur.

A sac made of spinal fluid and meninges protrudes through the bone defect in the spine. This usually results in less severe disabilities.