What Happened?

No one knows for sure the cause of this birth defect, although scientists believe that it is due to genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. Another factor is due to improper intake of prenatal vitamins while the mother is pregnant. Folic acid is a type of vitamin B, which is taken to prevent miscarriages and neural tube defects (spinal cord).

Spina Bifida is an opening in/around the spinal cord.

 

Although there are four different types of Spina Bifida, ranging from mild to severe (Spina Bifida Occulta, Closed neural tube, Meningocele and Myelomeningocele), I am only going to talk about to the main and most common ones.

 

Occulta (far left), Closed neural tube (center left), Meningocele (center right), Myelomeningocele (far right)

 

Occulta is the mildest and most common version of Spina Bifida. Occulta is usually referred to as the hidden spine, because the skin covers the opening of the spine. Most individuals are unaware that they have occulta. There and little to no symptoms at all. The only way to test this is to get an x-ray of the spine. There is no damage to the spinal cord or the nerves.

 

The more severe form of Spina bifida is Myelomeningocele. It is when nerve or spinal fluid pushes against the skin forming a sac on the individual’s back  the sac is not be covered by the skin, in some cases exposing the actually spinal cord, like an open wound. The individual is partial or completely paralyzed, with urinary and bowel dysfunction. The nerves become damaged and may cause problems with walking and full body coordination.

WebMD, M. C.. N.p.. Web. 9 Oct 2013. http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/tc/spina-bifida-topic-overview.
Brownstein, Cindy. "spina bifida assosication." spina bifida. Christopher Vance. Web. 9 Oct 2013.