User:Ryann Schedel/sandbox

Spina Bifida

The latin roots of this word mean spina meaning spine and bifida meaning split. Spina Bifida is a birth defect that is commonly called the neural tube defect. It occurs when the backbone doesn't properly form around the child's spinal cord. There are three types of spina bifida. The mildest form is occulta. The affects of occulta are mild or no symptoms. Examples of this form are: hairy patch on back, dimple, swelling at gap site on the spine. 5-10% of children with spina bifida have occulta. Often times, people with this form of spina bifida are unaware they have it unless given The next form meningocole is also known to be mild, but is more noticeable to the eye. It is more noticeable because there is a sac of fluid at the gap site on the spine. The most severe case of spina bifida is myelomeningocele. There can either be skin that covers the gap or it can be open. When it is open, the spinal cord is exposed and can be life-threatning.