Spina bifida
Also called: split spine
A birth defect in which a developing baby's spinal cord fails to develop properly.
- Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging often required
- Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
It occurs when a developing baby's spinal cord fails to develop or close properly while in the womb.
Rare: Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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Sep 20, 2023 · Spina bifida is a birth disorder that involves the incomplete development of the spine. In the first month of pregnancy, a special set of ...
Jul 16, 2023 · Spina bifida is a relatively common birth defect in the U.S. that affects the spine. The words literally mean "split spine" in Latin.