Congenital defect of the central nervous system in which a sac containing a part of the spinal cord and its meninges and cerebrospinal fluid protrudes through an opening in the vertebral column; it is due to a failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development or to its reopening after closure. It most commonly occurs in the lower thoracic, lumbar, or sacral areas. The extent of neurological dysfunction depends on the location of the anomaly and the amount of spinal tissue involved; lower extremity paralysis and bladder and anal sphincter problems are common, frequently accompanied by hydrocephalus and mental retardation. Immediate treatment includes the prevention of infection and assessment of the probable extent of neurological damage to determine whether surgery to correct the defect is indicated.
The most severe form of spina bifida. In this developmental defect of the central nervous system, a portion of the spinal cord itself protrudes through the back. Tissues and nerves may be covered by skin or exposed. It can be associated with a defect called Chiari malformation type II, in which the base of the brain pushes down through the foramen magnum (the opening in the skull for the spinal cord).
A hernia of the spinal cord and meninges through the posterior vertebral column that results from failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development (about 28 days after conception). The defect usually is found in the lumbosacral spine and often results in significant impairment in urination, defecation, and walking (spastic or flaccid paralysis).
A spinal herniation refers to an abnormal bulging in the spinal column that encloses both the spinal cord and the meninges.
A congenital anomaly observed in cases of spina bifida. An afflicted infant presents with a protruding, uncovered mass along the spine, which contains a malformed segment of the spinal cord and its protective membranes known as meninges.
A bulging of a portion of the spinal cord and its protective coverings through an opening in a vertebra. This condition is also referred to as myelocele.