Spina bifida is a birth defect that appears when the tissue surrounding the spinal cord of a new born does not close correctly in the first month of pregnancy. It's a birth defect associated with the category of neural tube defects. This disorder manifests itself by incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord.

In new burns with spina bifida the spinal cord and the backbone has defects because of un-proper development. Often an open lesion is visible on their spine where an dramatic damage that affects nerves has occurred. Even if the superficial repaired is made by surgery the nerve damage is permanent and the lower limbs can suffer from paralysis. The visible lesion might not be present but the nerve problems could exist. The problems that results from this defects are both physical and mobility affecting. Learning disability is almost every time present.Other known complications are : bladder and bowel affections.

The three most common types of spina bifida are:Myelomeningocele,Meningocele and Occulta. At least in the USA the birth defect - spina bifida has increased in an alarming rate and it is it most common birth defect. To avoid the risk of spina bifida up to 70 percent a daily folic acid supplement should be taken prior to conception under a medical supervision.

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