spina bifida
Pronunciation: SPY-nah BIF-ih-dah
Congenital neural tube defect where the spine and spinal cord do not form properly during fetal development.
Full Definition
Spina bifida is a congenital condition that occurs when the neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. This results in incomplete development of the spine, spinal cord, and surrounding membranes. There are several types, ranging from spina bifida occulta (mildest form with minimal symptoms) to myelomeningocele (most severe form involving protrusion of spinal cord and membranes). The condition can cause varying degrees of paralysis, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and learning disabilities. Prevention efforts focus on adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy. Multidisciplinary care involving neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, and developmental specialists is typically required.
Usage
Usage note: Two words, not hyphenated; specify type when known (occulta, meningocele, myelomeningocele).
In Context
- "Prenatal imaging revealed spina bifida myelomeningocele requiring fetal surgery consultation." — Maternal-fetal medicine report
- "The child with spina bifida requires regular monitoring by the multidisciplinary spinal cord team." — Care coordination documentation