Neural tube defect disorders, which are caused by incomplete development of the brain and/or spinal cord. One of the most common neural tube defects is spina bifida. This disorder occurs when the bones surrounding the spinal cord do not close properly during the first month of pregnancy in order to allow the nerves to protrude from the back and become non-functional. In less severe cases, there are no symptoms or only a slight physical disability. However, for most patients, this will result in severe disability. Types of Spina Bifida There are three types of spina bifida: 1. Occult: This is the mildest form of spina bifida and in many patients does not cause effects. In this type, the spinal cord is normal. There is no dorsal opening and there is no nerve damage, but one or more vertebrae may be deformed due to incomplete posterior closure of the vertebral body. 2. Spinal bulge: In this condition, the spinal cord develops normally, but its protective layer (spinal membrane) is cystically bulging from the spinal opening. There is usually no neurological damage, but the patient may have some minor physical disability. 3. Spinal cord spondylolisthesis: This is the most severe form of spina bifida, in which both the protective membrane of the spinal cord (spinal membrane) and the spinal nerves are pierced by the spinal opening. There is usually severe neurological damage and great physical disability. The degree of disability is different for each patient with spina bifida. The paralysis depends greatly on the location of the spinal opening, the size of the opening, whether there is skin coverage, and whether spinal nerves are involved. What kinds of people get spina bifida? Seven out of every 10,000 live births in the United States have spina bifida. It is estimated that approximately 70,000 people in the United States have spina bifida. Spina bifida is more prevalent in women and more prevalent in the Hispanic population. An exact cause is not known, but includes several risk factors: 1. previous pregnancy with a fetus with a neural tube defect; 2. insulin-dependent diabetes; 3. taking certain medications (especially anti-seizure medications); 4. obesity; and 5. exposure to heat (due to fever or hot baths) in early pregnancy. How is spina bifida treated? Unfortunately, spina bifida cannot be cured because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. Infants and children with spina bifida usually require surgery in the first 24 hours of life to close the spinal opening to reduce the risk of infection. These children may also require follow-up surgery to correct the deformity. In patients with mild cases of spina bifida, like spondylolisthesis, the sac protruding from the spinal cord opening may need to be surgically removed, usually without any further complications. Can spina bifida be prevented? The exact cause of spina bifida is not known. However, studies have proven that when a woman takes 400 mcg of folic acid (especially before pregnancy), she reduces the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect by 70%. A healthy diet rich in folic acid foods is also helpful.