In the United States, over 1500 babies are born with Spina Bifida every year. Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. This is a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the embryonic structure that develops into the baby’s brain, spinal cord, and the tissues that enclose them. The neural tube forms early in pregnancy, and it closes 28 to 32
days after conception but with spina bifida a portion of the neural tube does not close properly which causes the defects in the spinal cord and in the bones of the spine. Spina Bifida causes many physical and intellectual dissabilities that can go from mild to severe but that depends on the size and location of the opening in the spine and if any parts of the spinal cord and nerves are affected.

There are different types of Spina bifida. The three most common are spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Spina Bifida occulta is the mildest form, meningocele is moderate, and myelomeningocele is the most severe form. The treatment will depend on the needs
of each person with spina bifida. Some ways to prevent it is to take folic acid, avoid overheating your body, treat your fever immediatly, and if you have any medical condition always keep it under control. If you have a case of Spine Bifida and would like a second opinion on what steps to take to live or help someone live a full life visit SecondOpinions.com.