Spina Bifida
Types of Spina bifida
There are 3 different types of Spina bifida these include:
- Spina bifida occulta
- Spina bifida meningocele
- Myelomeningocele
Spina bifida occulta
This is the least serious type of Spina bifida and occurs in 10-20% of the population. With the Latin meaning ‘hidden split spine’ the condition cannot be seen from the outside and is often found when having a radiogram of the back. The opening in the spine is small and caused by abnormal spinous processes and neural arches of lower vertebrae. Many people are not aware they have the condition as there are not any major consequences of the abnormal vertebrae yet some sufferers may develop scoliosis or bowel and bladder problems.
Spina bifida meningocele
This is the rarest type of Spina bifida. The vertebrae appear normal yet the meninges (the protective membranes around the spinal cord) are pushed between them and protrude out. The nervous system remains undamaged and no further treatment is needed if the protruding meninges are removed. As with Spina bifida occulta some bowel and bladder problems may be present.
Myelomeningocele
The most common and serious form of Spina bifida. It affects 1 in every thousand babies in Britain. Some vertebrae remain unfused and the spinal cord and meninges protrude out a hole in the back. Sometimes the meninges do not follow leaving the spinal cord under great risk of infection and usually causes nerve damage. It may cause paralysis and loss of skin sensation. The outlook is positive and many sufferers survive until adulthood.
Article image - Spina bifida occulta sufferer with a gap in the spinal vertebrae courtesy of Wiki Commons: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spina_Bifida_pelvis_X-ray.jpg