What Is The Difference Between Spina Bifida And Spina Bifida Occulta? Occulta = Latin: “hidden.” (Unlike in “open” spina bifida, the defect in spina bifida occulta is not visible.) Spina bifida occulta is a malformation of one or more vertebrae (bones of the spine). It is sometimes called “closed” spina bifida. In most cases, spina
Is Spina Bifida A Genetic Disorder? Doctors aren’t certain what causes spina bifida. 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. Why is spina bifida a genetic disorder? The cause in most cases is multifactorial,
Is Myelomeningocele The Same As Spina Bifida? When people talk about spina bifida, most often they are referring to myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby’s back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac
What Type Of Spina Bifida Causes Hydrocephalus? This causes the brain to be positioned further down into the upper spinal column than normal, which is called an Arnold Chiari II malformation. When this happens, the normal flow of fluid out of the brain is obstructed, causing Hydrocephalus, an excess of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.