Spine definition skin#

It's thought to result from a combination of genetic, nutritional and environmental risk factors, such as a family history of neural tube defects and folate (vitamin B-9) deficiency. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causesĭoctors aren't certain what causes spina bifida.

Families should be educated on the different complications to watch for.Ĭhildren with spina bifida occulta typically don't have any symptoms or complications, so usually only routine pediatric care is needed. Children diagnosed with this condition should be followed by a specialized team of health care providers throughout their lives. Typically, myelomeningocele is diagnosed before or right after birth, when medical care is available.

Spine definition skin#

Tissues and nerves usually are exposed, though sometimes skin covers the sac.

Both the membranes and the spinal cord or nerves protrude at birth, forming a sac.

The spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back.

This type may cause problems with bladder and bowel function. Sometimes, these skin marks can be signs of an underlying spinal cord issue that can be discovered with MRI or spinal ultrasound in a newborn. But you can sometimes see signs on the newborn's skin above the spinal problem, including a tuft of hair, a small dimple or a birthmark. Typically, there aren't any signs or symptoms because the spinal nerves aren't involved. Signs and symptoms of spina bifida vary by type and severity, and also between individuals. Babies with meningocele may have some minor problems with functioning, including those affecting the bladder and bowels. No nerves are affected in this type, and the spinal cord isn't in the fluid sac. This rare type of spina bifida is characterized by a sac of spinal fluid bulging through an opening in the spine. This makes the baby prone to life-threatening infections and may also cause paralysis and bladder and bowel dysfunction. The membranes and spinal nerves push through this opening at birth, forming a sac on the baby's back, typically exposing tissues and nerves. The spinal canal is open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back. MyelomeningoceleĪlso known as open spina bifida, myelomeningocele is the most severe type. Many people who have spina bifida occulta don't even know it, unless the condition is discovered during an imaging test done for unrelated reasons. Spina bifida occulta results in a small separation or gap in one or more of the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Spina bifida can occur in different types: spina bifida occulta, myelomeningocele (my-uh-lo-muh-NING-go-seel) or the very rare type meningocele (muh-NING-go-seel).

The exposed nervous system may become infected, so prompt surgery is needed after birth. Myelomeningocele is a severe type of spina bifida in which the membranes and the spinal nerves protrude at birth, forming a sac on the baby's back.